Laurent Mekies reveals new technological breakthroughs on RB21 and brings good news for Max Verstappen in his journey to conquer the rest of the season
In the fast world of Formula 1, where every millisecond counts and innovation makes the difference between triumph and disappointment, Laurent Mekies, the new team boss of Red Bull Racing, has made an exciting announcement. During a press conference after the recent Grand Prix of Singapore, just a few days ago, Mekies revealed a significant technological breakthrough in the RB21 car. This upgrade, which focuses on an advanced aerodynamic optimization of the bottom plate and the front wing, promises not only to improve the performance of the car, but also to give a welcome boost to Max Verstappen in his struggle for the title in the remaining races of the 2025 season. With seven Grands Prix ahead, including crucial confrontations in Austin, Mexico and Abu Dhabi, this news comes as a refreshing wind for the Dutchman, who has been fighting McLaren’s dominance for months.
Mekies, who succeeded Christian Horner as a team boss in July 2025, has had a breath of fresh air blowing the team in Milton Keynes since he took office. The Frenchman, formerly successful at Alphatauri (now Racing Bulls), is known for his technical cleverness and his ability to restructure teams under pressure. In his first months he changed internal dynamics, with a greater emphasis on open communication and data-driven development. “We have achieved a breakthrough in our understanding of the Downforce spectrum,” Mekies explained after the race in Singapore, where Verstappen took a handsome second place despite challenges with the tire choice and the balance of the car. “The new bottom plate, introduced in Monza and further refined here, solves a long -term problem that has been teasing us since the start of the season. It is not a revolution, but an evolution that brings us closer to the top.”
The core of this breakthrough lies in the aerodynamics of the RB21, a car that already received criticism from Verstappen itself this year, which described him as a ‘difficult beast’ with unstable balance. Red Bull struggled in the first half of the season with a regression compared to 2024, partly due to changes in the regulations and internal turbulence. McLaren, with Oscar Piastri in the lead, built a 69 points lead over Verstappen, which ‘only’ achieved two wins in Suzuka and Imola. But the updates in Monza – a revised floor and an optimized front wing – and the further adjustments in Singapore have shown that Red Bull is back in the hunt. According to Mekies, the team has chosen a ‘High-Risk approach’, consciously taking risks in setups and strategies to collect valuable data. “We sacrifice short-term points for long-term insights,” he said. “And that is now starting to bear fruit.”
For Max Verstappen, the three-time world champion and the beating heart of Red Bull, this news is manna from heaven. The 27-year-old Dutchman, who complained in Singapore about braking problems and an unbalanced car, still finished on the podium due to his masterful tire management. “It feels good to see that the team is listening,” Verstappen said after the race. “The car feels more stable, especially in the high downforce corners like in Marina Bay. This gives me confidence for the rest of the season.” Mekies praised his driver extensively: “Max is a huge asset, both in and outside the car. His feedback has directly influenced this breakthrough. He pushes us to take risks, such as that gamble with soft tires in Baku, and it pays off.” Indeed, Verstappen’s input – from simulator work to trackside observations – has led to a ‘new philosophy’ at Red Bull, no longer blindly relying on simulations, but more on real-world data.
This technological step forward comes at a crucial moment. With Piastri who feels pressure increasing due to internal McLaren voltages, Mekies sees opportunities for Verstappen to close the gap. The RB21’s improved Downforce balance should especially shine on circuits with changing requirements, such as the winding layouts in Austin and Mexico City. “Singapore was a lit fee test for high downforce,” Mekies explained. “We have unlocked performance over the entire spectrum, from low to high speeds. That means consistent lap times and less wear on tires.” Analysts agree: this upgrade can improve Red Bull’s Racepace by 0.2 to 0.3 seconds per round, enough to steal poles and victories from McLaren.
Yet it is not all roses and moonshine. The second is in the RB21, taken by Yuki Tsunoda after the promotion from Racing Bulls, remains a weak point. Tsunoda has scored just ten points this season, compared to Verstappen’s 165, and is struggling with confidence and consistency. Mekies, who coached Tsunoda at the sister team, emphasizes patience: “Yuki has potential, but the priority is Max. We give him the tools to shine.” Helmut Marko, the influential advisor, supports Mekies’ modest approach, calling him “too modest” after the Monza victory, where Verstappen took pole and won. “Laurent asks the right questions,” said Marko. “That is crucial for communication.”
Verstappen’s future at Red Bull seems insured until at least 2026, after a ‘love statement’ of Mekies that the rumors about a Mercedes transfer suppressed. “Max is central to our team,” said the team boss. “His experience is essential to translate this breakthrough into championship points.” With the calendar that unfolds to the final in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen feels empowered. “I don’t give up,” he said. “These updates give us the chance to hit back. Let’s conquer the rest of the season.”
Mekies’ unveiling marks a turning point for Red Bull. In a sport where innovation is king, this technological leap not only transformed the RB21, but also fueled Verstappen’s hope for a fourth title. While the rivals hunt, Red Bull positions itself for an epic season closure. The Formula 1 fans can look forward to spectacle: Verstappen, with mekies at the helm, is ready to dominate the track.
