16/08/2025 17:30
New Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has revealed there was
never any "real doubt" that Max Verstappen would stay with the
Austrian outfit. Verstappen's future had been a lead talking point
across recent months, with the Dutchman having found himself linked
to a Mercedes switch. George Russell and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff
both confirmed talks took place; however, Verstappen put all
speculation to bed on media day ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The four-time world champion confirmed in Hungary he would remain
with Red Bull for 2026, meaning he will enter the new power unit
regulations alongside the Milton Keynes-based team. Despite all the
rumours surrounding a possible exit, Mekies has insisted he was
never concerned. "Well no, I don't think there was a real doubt
[Verstappen would stay] as far as the team was concerned. Max has
been saying it over and over again," Mekies told Sky F1 . "And we
know what he wants. He wants a fast car. Now, the fact that he said
it a bit louder this time is, I guess it's good for everyone to
hear. "But as far as we are concerned, all year he has always been
a part and central to the team." Mekies' first weeks leading Red
Bull For Mekies, it has been a remarkable few weeks in the
Frenchman's life, following his promotion from Racing Bulls to Red
Bull. He became Red Bull's boss three days after the British Grand
Prix, once Christian Horner's axe had been announced. Mekies has
held his new position for almost three weeks, and has been hugely
impressed by the team's reaction to his arrival. "It's still the
process we are in, trying to meet as many people in the team as
possible. Now it's been two and a half weeks, I think, so the
feeling is increasing day after day. "Our team have been
fantastic. They've been so supportive, so open minded, and then
it's great. Every time you open a small box, you find great people
and a great way to do things. "And of course, it doesn't always
convert into [lap time], but every day that is passing, you get to
discover more of the talent that we have, and it gives us huge
confidence into the future."
