Mekies Refutes Rosberg's $80 Million Verstappen Claim
Summary
Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies has denied Nico Rosberg's claims about Max Verstappen's $80 million salary and the team culture, calling both statements 'not correct' after the Dutch GP.
Max Verstappen's Red Bull contract extension through 2030 ended months of speculation — but it also drew a quick rebuttal from team principal Laurent Mekies after Nico Rosberg made two claims on live TV.
Why it matters:
The deal secures Verstappen's future, but Mekies' response clarifies what truly drove the decision. Rosberg suggested a massive salary and a culture change were key factors; Mekies insisted both were wrong, pointing instead to trust.
The details:
- At the Dutch GP, Mekies called the extension "phenomenal news" for the team and the sport.
- Rosberg claimed Verstappen's camp liked the culture Mekies has installed since replacing Christian Horner.
- He also floated an "$80 million a year" figure for the new deal.
- Mekies refuted both: "Both statements are not correct."
- He said the decision came down to Verstappen's trust in the 2,000 people at Milton Keynes, across chassis and power unit sides.
- "He's much more than just the fastest driver in the world for us," Mekies added, vowing to deliver a fast car as soon as possible.
What's next:
With the contract locked in, Red Bull must now match Verstappen's commitment with a competitive package. Mekies says the team wants "nothing more" than to return to the top spot.
Original Article :https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-80-million-nico-rosberg-red-bull