Laurent Mekies Provides Red Bull Progress Update with ‘Big Picture’ Assessment

Laurent Mekies insists Red Bull's recent surge is genuine, with the team scoring 41 points over the last two events after managing just 16 in the opening three. The turnaround follows a batch of upgrades introduced in Miami, and Mekies says the Montreal weekend confirmed the step forward.

Why it matters:

After a sluggish start to the season, Red Bull's recovery is critical for a team that dominated 2023 but slipped to fourth in the standings. A sustained upward trend could shake up the midfield battle and keep them within striking distance of the front-runners as the year progresses.

The details:

• Red Bull added seven upgrade parts for the RB22 in Miami, with minor updates in Montreal, sparking a performance boost.
• Max Verstappen qualified second in Miami, and both drivers scored points in Canada for the first time in 2026.
• Race pace gains: Mekies noted the deficit to the race winner shrank from 40 seconds in Miami to “a bit closer” in Montreal, with qualifying margin dropping from half a second to three-tenths.
• Cautious optimism: Mekies acknowledged track layout could play a role, saying “there is probably no reason to get too excited” and that the team needs to confirm at more circuits.
• The team is fourth in the Constructors' Championship on 57 points, 162 behind leaders Mercedes.

What's next:

Mekies is focused on improving driveability for Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, admitting they’ll “take risk” to unlock more confidence. The next few races will reveal whether the Miami upgrade is a true turning point or a one-track wonder.

• “It’s only the beginning of the year,” Mekies said. “We are going to try things even if it costs us something.”
• Red Bull’s development race is far from over, but the signs are encouraging for a team that looked lost just a month ago.