In an unexpected turn of events in the Formula 1 world, the newly appointed CEO of Red Bull Racing, Laurent Mekies, has caused a stir with a remarkable and controversial statement about none other than three-time world champion Max Verstappen. Barely days after his appointment, Mekies lashed out at Verstappen in an internal interview that was quickly leaked to the media:
“Red Bull is bigger than one driver. Max needs to realize he’s replaceable if he doesn’t align with our long-term vision,” said Mekies.
These words were particularly hard-hitting for both fans and Verstappen’s entourage. Jos Verstappen, father and former F1 driver, reacted angrily to Mekies’s remarks and fiercely defended his son:
“Max has brought Red Bull three titles. Without him, this team would never be where it is today. If the new CEO doesn’t appreciate that, then he doesn’t understand much about what this sport truly entails,” Jos sneered in an interview with the Dutch Ziggo Sport.
According to team sources, the atmosphere at the next team meeting was “icy.” While Christian Horner formally remains as team principal, Mekies seems determined to usher in a new era, taking more power and implementing changes to the top structure.
Max Verstappen fans responded en masse on social media, expressing their full support for their champion. Many believe Mekies “should know his place” and that Red Bull shouldn’t underestimate his golden asset. Some even suggest Verstappen could use these statements as motivation to start a new chapter elsewhere in 2026, for example at Mercedes or Aston Martin, where rumors of interest persist.
Meanwhile, within Red Bull, there appears to be a growing internal conflict between the sporting leadership and the commercial top. While Helmut Marko remains in the background, pressure is mounting on Mekies to explain or even retract his statements. Moreover, the timing is particularly sensitive: with the season still in full swing and Verstappen back on track for the title, any internal division could have direct consequences for on-track performance.
A team member, who wishes to remain anonymous, summed it up perfectly: “Max isn’t just a driver. He is Red Bull Racing, and Laurent Mekies might forget that a little too quickly.”
Whether these statements mark the beginning of a deeper rift or merely a temporary media storm will become clear in the coming weeks. One thing is certain: the dynamic within Red Bull Racing has changed forever.
