Jos Verstappen Finds 'Peace of Mind' at Red Bull, Max 'In Good Hands' Under Laurent Mekies

Jos Verstappen has revealed a "completely different" atmosphere at Red Bull, stating that his son Max Verstappen is now "in good hands" with Laurent Mekies as team principal. According to Jos, this change has allowed Max to rediscover his enjoyment of racing for Red Bull.

Why it matters:

After a turbulent period, the shift in leadership and team dynamics could be crucial for Max Verstappen's pursuit of a fifth consecutive Drivers' Championship. Jos Verstappen's endorsement signals a potential return to stability and focus within Red Bull, essential for their title aspirations, especially as they navigate a tight championship battle against McLaren.

The Details:

• Leadership Change: Christian Horner's tenure as team boss concluded after the British Grand Prix, with Laurent Mekies, formerly of Racing Bulls, taking over the helm at Red Bull.
• Performance Resurgence: Following a mid-season slump, Max Verstappen has orchestrated a remarkable comeback, securing six consecutive podium finishes, including victories at the Italian, Azerbaijan, and United States Grands Prix.
• Jos Verstappen's Perspective: Jos, who had public disagreements with Horner, now expresses a much more positive outlook on Red Bull's internal environment under Mekies.
  • He emphasized that Max's current chance at the world title is a "huge bonus," especially given the team's struggles around the summer break.
  • Jos specifically highlighted his "good relationship" with Mekies and the "peace of mind" he feels seeing Max enjoy himself again.
• Championship Stakes: With four races remaining, Max trails Drivers' Championship leader Lando Norris by 36 points. Despite the deficit, Jos believes Max is approaching the challenge with the right mindset: "Max is very open and relaxed about it. I think that's the best approach."
• Mexican GP Reflections: Max Verstappen himself downplayed his title prospects after the Mexican Grand Prix, a race dominated by Norris, where a late Virtual Safety Car hindered his charge for second place.
  • He acknowledged losing points to Norris and stated, "everything needs to go perfect to win. And this weekend didn't go perfect. So that's your answer."
  • Verstappen stressed the need to better understand why the car isn't consistently quick in all scenarios.

What's next:

While Max Verstappen is clearly focused on pushing McLaren for the Constructors' title, the Drivers' Championship remains a significant challenge, with the points gap making it largely out of his hands. The team's ability to maintain its recent upturn in performance and avoid any missteps will be critical in the final four rounds. The newfound stability and positive atmosphere under Mekies, as noted by Jos Verstappen, will be a key factor in how Red Bull approaches the intense conclusion of the season.