JULY 20, 2026

Max knows Red Bull rebuilding for future says Mekies

Laurent Mekies says Red Bull can silence the continuing speculation about Max Verstappen's future only by giving the Dutchman a genuinely competitive car.

Verstappen remains at the centre of intense rumours because of an exit clause in his contract and Red Bull's struggles in the post-Christian Horner, Adrian Newey and Dr Helmut Marko era.

An agreement is an agreement, a contract is a contract, Mekies told Bild when asked about Verstappen's deal through 2028 with the well-known exit clauses.

We can't change the situation and are focusing on making the car faster.

Asked if he remains confident Verstappen will stay, the Red Bull boss said the four-time world champion is still deeply involved.

We're in regular contact with Max, and the way he's involved in the project and how committed he is gives us a good feeling, said the Frenchman.

"Nothing has changed there. I understand Max: he wants to win. That's why he's in this sport, but the same goes for us.

For that, he needs a fast car.

Red Bull's Austrian GP upgrade produced a noticeable improvement, but Mekies insists the objective is far bigger than occasionally challenging for victories.

"We've definitely taken a step forward, but it's not about winning individual races. We want to start a new winning cycle. Red Bull has always operated in cycles.

From 2010 to 2013, they won four world championships with Sebastian Vettel before Mercedes dominated for years. Max broke that dominance in the Red Bull when he became champion four times in a row from 2021 to 2024.

Asked how quickly Red Bull can begin another dominant period, Mekies joked: Not in another seven years!

"Seriously though, we're on the right track, but you can't put a timeframe on when we'll be back at that point. It's not about just taking any step, but about real progress.

"We need to lay the right foundation for long-term success. That doesn't happen overnight in Formula 1.

Max knows that too.

Verstappen has repeatedly expressed frustration with Red Bull's performance this season, but Mekies says those reactions are understandable as emotions are part of this sport.

We get just as frustrated as Max when we've had a bad race, he said. "I like those emotions, but we can't let them control us.

Our focus is on the racing. Because when we have a fast car, all the distractions disappear.

Mekies denied that the constant discussion around Verstappen is damaging the team's work. We try not to get caught up in everything else that's going on, he said.

"And Max isn't angry for two weeks. He's back in the simulator in Milton Keynes three days after the Silverstone race.

But again, if we have a fast car, there won't be any more background noise. It's up to us.

Red Bull has also been encouraged by Isack Hadjar, who has emerged as the team's strongest second driver for several seasons.

Isack has had a very good start to this season, Mekies said.

"It's easy to forget that this is only his second season in Formula 1. But that's a result of his professional approach.

He moved to England, near the factory, immediately after signing with us and is frequently in Milton Keynes. We are very pleased with him.

Mekies believes Hadjar still has considerable room to develop.

"What distinguishes the very best drivers from the good ones is the fact that they are constantly improving. We see that with Isack.

Every few races we observe things where we say, 'We haven't seen him do that before, that's new! But with him, just like with Max, we have to provide him with the best possible equipment so that he can continue to develop.

(GMM)