The Verstappen team is winning and impressing in Formula 1. We are not talking about the team owned by the Dutch superstar competing in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. The new era at Red Bull, marked by the arrival of Laurent Mekies in the team’s command structure, seems to have given Max Verstappen even greater centrality within the Milton Keynes-based squad.
The consecutive victories in Italy and Azerbaijan are certainly the result of the RB21’s improved competitiveness on circuits that demand lower downforce. However, it is undeniable that updates to the floor and front wing, aimed at reducing the car’s chronic understeer, are delivering excellent results. Equally undeniable is that the team’s approach on track has undergone a significant transformation.
The new Red Bull approach elevates Verstappen’s role
The Red Bull camp is celebrating, as Christian Horner’s departure could have backfired if there hadn’t been a turnaround in performance. Beyond the satisfaction of two consecutive wins, there is a clear understanding about the short-term future: only highly unlikely circumstances could put the reigning world champion back into genuine title contention.
Nonetheless, forcing McLaren to remain on guard at this stage of the season can be considered a triumph, especially considering the absolute superiority of the MCL39 over its competitors this year. Both after the Monza Grand Prix and following the Azerbaijan round, Red Bull management made it clear that the human factor is once again central.
At Monza, Helmut Marko emphasized the increased weight given to drivers’ feedback over rigid simulation data and execution. Following his second personal victory as team principal, Laurent Mekies candidly admitted that he had followed Max Verstappen’s preference when the Dutch driver chose the hard tires for the first stint of the race.
While it is true that the Dutch driver did not have new medium tires available, it is equally true that the Pirelli hard compound—marked with a white ring—was a significant unknown, as it had not been tested in free practice. This was a bold choice that could have exposed him to a less optimal start compared to surrounding cars. However, having a Williams beside him and a Racing Point behind is not quite the same as battling McLaren cars.
The importance of following the driver’s instincts
Even if aided by favorable circumstances, the fact that the team followed its ace driver’s wishes confirms that the squad is now willing to back the Dutchman even in riskier strategic choices. Something similar occurred at the “Temple of Speed.” The “handmade” modification to the rear wing flap was an extreme measure aimed at pursuing victory.
This work, combined with low tire degradation, paid off. Despite the RB21 being among the lightest cars at Monza—second only to Charles Leclerc’s SF-25—it allowed the world champion to secure pole position and comfortably win the race. Yet another demonstration that the team follows the decisions of a driver who takes no prisoners. After all, who knows the car better than the person driving it?
Max Verstappen’s immense influence within Red Bull
We are talking about a driver who constantly tests himself and those around him, taking seemingly unnecessary risks. At the last Azerbaijan Grand Prix, on lap fifty, Max set the fastest lap even though his gap over George Russell was massive. An unnecessary show of bravado? Absolutely not. It was a clear message to the team: “No risk, no party.”
In essence, Max signaled that he pushes the car to its limits under all circumstances, and he expects the same level of commitment from everyone supporting him within the team. No calculations, maximum risk, because there is nothing to lose. Today, there is no other driver on the grid who exerts such pervasive influence on team decisions throughout a race weekend.
This underscores his stature not only as a driver but also as a motivator for the entire squad. Thanks in part to Laurent Mekies, the team places trust in the Dutch driver even beyond his official sphere of responsibility. With this approach, the talent from Hasselt will tackle the next Singapore Grand Prix aiming to win the only race on the calendar where he has never triumphed.
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