The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort delivered a crucial second-place finish for Max Verstappen, behind the unstoppable Oscar Piastri in the McLaren and ahead of the surprising Isack Hadjar, who claimed an unexpected podium with Racing Bulls. The result sparked conversations across the paddock and reignited a provocative question circulating for weeks: why doesn’t Verstappen try racing with Red Bull’s satellite team?
Is VCARB potentially stronger than the RB21?
The question isn’t baseless. The Red Bull RB21 has proven to be a tricky car to handle, one that only Verstappen’s exceptional talent has been able to master. Despite his solid results—Max sits third in the Drivers’ Championship—the performance is driven almost entirely by the driver rather than the car. This fuels the idea, paradoxical but not far-fetched, that Verstappen might be even more competitive in a Racing Bulls car.
Fernando Alonso recently commented on the situation bluntly: “Racing Bulls always have a plan. If Verstappen were in that car, he would fight for the championship. Look at Tsunoda—he was often in the top six at the start of the year, but after moving to Red Bull, he struggled.” Alonso’s words highlight an underlying issue within the main Red Bull team, at least until recently.
Mekies’ arrival changes the scenario
Imagining Verstappen in the colors of the “younger sister” team is difficult, yet Laurent Mekies’ recent appointment as Red Bull team principal opens new possibilities. The former Ferrari sporting director comes from Racing Bulls and replaced Christian Horner after months of internal tension. On paper, this change could mark a fresh start for the team.
Context helps understand the situation. With Isack Hadjar’s podium at Zandvoort, Racing Bulls climbed to seventh in the Constructors’ Championship with 60 points, just two shy of Aston Martin. This growth underscores the strong work of the Faenza team, led by Mekies until roughly two months ago.
Looking ahead
The main Red Bull team has struggled for over a year and a half to keep pace, not only with McLaren but with other rivals. Upcoming regulation changes and internal reshuffling are expected to deliver results for Verstappen, who reportedly demanded a choice between himself and Horner—a choice that is now evident in the team’s current structure.
The decision was decisive. Red Bull’s future revolves around its four-time world champion, making the exit of the former team principal inevitable. Laurent Mekies’ role is now pivotal, tasked with restoring order, motivation, and results during a transitional phase.
Verstappen expressed confidence in the new team principal: “Yes. I mean, he joined quickly, then had two weeks, and then a break again. So, not many things are changing suddenly. But I like his approach. It seems everyone is very positive about the team’s mood, also when I see people walking around and when we talk,” he said in Zandvoort.
He also clarified that results won’t come immediately: “It’s not that hiring someone at the top will suddenly change things in two weeks or two months. It takes time.” This pragmatic view reflects the mindset of a driver accustomed to long-term thinking. The path ahead is challenging, but confidence remains high.
The debate continues
Zandvoort has reignited the debate over Verstappen’s future and Red Bull’s direction. Between rumors of revolutions, speculative links to Racing Bulls, and Mekies’ arrival, one certainty remains: Verstappen continues to be the cornerstone of a team seeking a new identity. Yet again, even on tough days, the four-time world champion sets the agenda in Formula 1.
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