Red Bull team boss stands by Verstappen's motivation amid F1 exit warning
Photo: Race Pictures
Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
Red Bull CEO and team boss Laurent Mekies is not worried about Max Verstappen's motivation.
"No, [I don't have concerns], when he's with us, as far as the relationship with the team is concerned, there is absolutely no difference compared with last year in terms of how hard he's pushing on every single detail and how precise he is in his feedback on everything."- Laurent Mekies
The four-time world champion was critical of the new generation of Formula 1 cars throughout the weekend in Melbourne, and after the race, the Dutchman also warned of a sudden exit being on the cards as well.
He explained: "No, like I said, I love racing, but you can only take so much, right?"
Mekies also reacted to Verstappen's thoughts on the new cars.
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He told GPblog, among others: "I think Max cares about the sport and he's giving us a lot of input on what he thinks could be improvements. We are listening.
"As a sport, we are talking between the teams and between the FIA and F1 to see what is the way forward. Obviously, this is one of the most difficult tracks. It will be interesting to see after China how much of a difference it makes to go to a track that is a bit less energy-hungry.
"And then, if there are improvements to make, I'm sure as a sport we will find a way to make them."
Laurent Mekies - Photo: Race Pictures
Mekies on Verstappen's motivation
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The Frenchman was also asked about the Dutchman's motivation. Answering GPblog's question, he continued: "No, [I don't have concerns], when he's with us, as far as the relationship with the team is concerned, there is absolutely no difference compared with last year in terms of how hard he's pushing on every single detail and how precise he is in his feedback on everything." Last year, the team boss also referred to Verstappen as the most expensive sensor ever.
He concluded: "He's able to put his personal preferences on the side when he debriefs with us and when we are chasing the performance together."
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