F1 Today: Verstappen on Red Bull's Shift, Wolff Clarifies Antonelli's Future

Following Christian Horner's departure and the arrival of Laurent Mekies as CEO and team principal, Max Verstappen has noted a significant positive shift in Red Bull's internal atmosphere. Meanwhile, Toto Wolff has finally addressed the contract situation of Kimi Antonelli, dispelling recent market speculation despite a period of mixed results for the young driver.

Why it matters:

• Red Bull's Stability: Verstappen's comments highlight a return to stability and a more positive internal environment at Red Bull post-Horner, crucial for maintaining their championship-winning momentum.
• Antonelli's Future: The clarification from Toto Wolff regarding Kimi Antonelli's contract is vital for the young driver's career trajectory and Mercedes' driver lineup strategy for the upcoming seasons.

The Details:

• Verstappen on Red Bull's Shift:
  • Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, described the team's atmosphere as "far more positive" since the leadership change, transitioning from "turbulence to family calm."
  • Despite this internal improvement, Verstappen admitted he is "not yet fully satisfied with the performance side," suggesting there are still areas for development on track.
  • Laurent Mekies' appointment as Red Bull's new CEO and team principal, following Christian Horner's twenty-year tenure, is credited with injecting fresh energy.
  • Verstappen has reasserted his dominance with convincing wins in Monza and Baku, alongside an impressive second place at Zandvoort, showcasing his ability to perform amid internal shifts.
• Wolff on Antonelli's Contract:
  • Kimi Antonelli had been at the center of market speculation due to a string of poor results, particularly compared to his teammate.
  • He recently delivered a solid performance in Baku, securing fourth place, just behind Carlos Sainz.
  • Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, made definitive statements about Antonelli's future, aiming to put an end to ongoing rumors and speculation.
  • Antonelli's contract, like that of George Russell, expires at the end of the season, with Mercedes yet to officially announce renewals for either driver.
  • The option of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes has "long been off the table," narrowing Mercedes' focus on their current and junior drivers.

What's next:

Verstappen's continued search for peak performance at Red Bull, coupled with the team's renewed internal harmony, will be a key storyline as they aim to solidify their position at the top. For Antonelli, Wolff's clarity provides a stable foundation, allowing the young driver to focus on his on-track development and prove his worth for a potential Mercedes future, as contract renewals for both Antonelli and Russell are expected to be a significant announcement from Mercedes in the coming months.