Mekies: Verstappen's 2026 criticism doesn't affect his Red Bull drive

Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies insists Max Verstappen remains as motivated and detail-oriented as ever within the team, despite the reigning champion's very public and harsh criticism of the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 regulations. Mekies emphasized that Verstappen professionally separates his personal views on the future cars from his current work, pushing for improvements in every area during debriefs.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's vocal dissatisfaction with the 2026 car concept—which he memorably labeled "Formula E on steroids"—has fueled speculation about his long-term future in the sport. Mekies's reassurance is crucial for Red Bull, aiming to dispel any notion that the driver's discontent is affecting the team's present performance or internal dynamics as they fight for another championship.

The details:

• Verstappen's Stance: The Dutch driver has been the most prominent critic of the 2026 rules, which mandate a 50/50 power split between the internal combustion engine and electrical components and introduce active aerodynamics. After the Australian GP, he said the simulated cars felt "completely empty" when pushed and called for the FIA to take action.
• Team Dynamic Unchanged: Mekies firmly dismissed concerns about Verstappen's motivation, stating, "When he's with us... there is absolutely no difference compared to last year in terms of how hard he's pushing on every single detail." He noted Verstappen's ability to set aside personal preferences during performance debriefs.
• A Wider Conversation: Mekies acknowledged that Verstappen's criticism comes from a place of caring about the sport's direction. He confirmed that discussions are ongoing between teams, the FIA, and F1 management about potential improvements to the 2026 package.
• Track Dependency: The team principal pointed out that the Albert Park circuit, with its long, flowing sections and few heavy braking zones, is one of the most challenging tracks for energy recovery. He suggested a fuller assessment should wait until after races on different layouts, like the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to gathering more data. The sport will closely watch how the 2026 car simulations perform on a "less energy hungry" track like Shanghai to better understand the regulations' impact. Mekies left the door open for changes, stating, "if there are improvements to make, I'm sure as a sport we will find a way to make them." For now, Red Bull's immediate priority is managing Verstappen's championship defense while the broader 2026 dialogue continues in the background.