Laurent Mekies explains why Red Bull take high-risk strategy instead of chasing Verstappen’s championship chances. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies says the focus is on taking risks to develop the RB21.

A wide gap still separates Piastri and Verstappen

In the last two races, Max Verstappen has scored 50 points compared to Oscar Piastri’s 15. That means the Dutch driver gained 35 points in just two weekends. However, the gap in the standings still stands at 69 points, which remains a huge challenge with only seven races and three Sprint events left to be contested in the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has made it clear that this points deficit will not change the team’s priorities. According to the former Ferrari sporting director, the Milton Keynes-based outfit plans to use the remaining races of the year to experiment with the RB21, even if that means sacrificing potential results on Sundays.

Mekies reveals Red Bull’s high-risk strategy

“We are trying to adopt a high-risk approach so that we can learn as much as possible at the end of the season, and this takes precedence over any discussions about the championship or anything else,” Laurent Mekies explained, speaking to motorsport.nextgen-auto.com. “This approach is necessary because the gap between Max and Oscar is still significant. We cannot rely too often on McLaren making mistakes.”

Mekies’ words highlight that Red Bull’s development plan is more about the long-term growth of the RB21 than chasing an unlikely title comeback. Even with Verstappen’s strong performances, Red Bull know that McLaren’s current advantage means risk-taking is essential to close the technical gap.

The Mekies effect since taking charge

Laurent Mekies officially took over as Red Bull team principal at the beginning of July. Since then, the so-called “Mekies effect” has produced results that even Max Verstappen himself had not anticipated. After his victories at Suzuka and Imola, Verstappen admitted he thought his winning opportunities for 2025 were over. Yet the triumphs in Monza and Baku reignited optimism inside the team and proved that the RB21 can still deliver under the right circumstances.

Now all eyes turn to Singapore, which represents a major test for Red Bull and their new leadership. The Marina Bay circuit is the only Grand Prix on the calendar where Verstappen has yet to taste victory. For Laurent Mekies and the Milton Keynes squad, Singapore will be the ultimate benchmark of whether their bold, high-risk strategy is paying off.