Laurent Mekies explains Verstappen’s future: “Max wants to stay at Red Bull and we have a clear plan”. Laurent Mekies spoke about his first weeks as Red Bull team principal.

Laurent Mekies is already at his third race weekend as team principal of Red Bull. For the Frenchman, this represents a brand-new chapter in his Formula 1 career, fully aware of the demanding work that lies ahead of him. The internal rebuilding process will inevitably take time, but what really matters now is to find the right balance within his new team and, above all, to strengthen the relationship with Max Verstappen.

Following the dismissal of Christian Horner in the days after the British Grand Prix and the numerous speculations surrounding the future of the Dutch driver – who has been strongly linked with a potential move to Mercedes – Laurent Mekies knew perfectly well that on his arrival he would have to clarify several key issues.

Immediate alliance with Verstappen

However, according to what was reported by Motorsport Week, Laurent Mekies admitted that he had a long and direct conversation with Max Verstappen, who wasted no time in making his intentions clear. Laurent Mekies explained: “Max and I never actually spoke about his future. There was no need for it. On my very first day at work, he came to me and expressed his determination to work together for the long term and to put aside all those rumors that had been circulating about him.”

The Frenchman also immediately pointed out the elements that will be decisive in keeping the Dutchman at Milton Keynes: “We need to build a fast and reliable car. If Max has a quick machine at his disposal, then everybody is happy: his race wall, the whole team, and of course myself as well. I want to achieve this objective,” he concluded. Clear and aligned visions that could allow new brilliant chapters to be written in the Red Bull story.