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Red Bull boss Mekies warns losing Verstappen would be “seismic,” as rumours swirl over his future amid F1’s controversial 2026 rule changes.
Red Bull Racing boss Laurent Mekies (L) with Max Verstappen (R) (Credit: X/RedBullRacing)
If there’s one name dominating the Formula 1 rumour mill, it’s Max Verstappen.
The four-time world champion has been increasingly vocal about his dissatisfaction with the current F1 2026 regulations, sparking fresh speculation about his long-term future — whether that’s away from Red Bull Racing or even the sport itself.
Mekies Weighs In
Amid the noise, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has offered a candid take and a clear warning.
Losing Verstappen, he suggests, wouldn’t just hurt. It would be seismic.
Mekies, who stepped into the role last year replacing Christian Horner ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, has had a front-row seat to Verstappen’s influence since joining from Racing Bulls.
Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Mekies highlighted what sets Verstappen apart.
“I still can’t decide if it’s a conscious or unconscious ability, but Max has this natural way of making those around him understand what is important to him in the car and where the reserves of time on the lap are still unexpressed.”
“If you participated in one of our debriefings… you wouldn’t be able to tell from his tone of voice if it was a victory or a retirement to forget,” Mekies added.
“He will analyze the problem… with the same intensity and discipline, whether he won or was beaten.”
A Leader in the Garage
For Mekies, Verstappen’s biggest strength might actually lie outside the cockpit.
“He has this innate ability to carry everyone with him, to push people to give 101%… Being fast in the car is one thing, but being out of the car and being able to make your team… do their best… is something else.”
A Future Beyond Driving?
Mekies even hinted at what could come next.
“I am sure that one day he could be an excellent Team Principal,” he said.
With rivals like Mercedes closing in and regulation changes looming, Red Bull are entering a critical phase. And at the centre of it all is Verstappen.
If he stays, they build around him. If he leaves, the ripple effects could reshape the grid.
April 05, 2026, 6:27 PM IST
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