Mekies: Verstappen's off-track value as crucial as his driving for Red Bull

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has highlighted Max Verstappen's immense and multifaceted value to the team, emphasizing that the three-time champion's influence extends far beyond his driving. As the team prepares for the pivotal 2026 season with its new in-house power units, Mekies credits Verstappen's technical insight and leadership as a crucial asset. He also provided an early positive assessment of new teammate Isack Hadjar while offering a realistic view of the team's competitive position heading into the new era.

Why it matters:

Verstappen is often viewed through the lens of his dominant on-track performances, but Mekies' comments reveal the driver's integral role in team development and morale, especially during a major regulatory change. For Red Bull, leveraging Verstappen's complete understanding of the sport is a strategic advantage as they battle established engine giants like Mercedes and Ferrari.

The details:

• Mekies described Verstappen as embodying motorsport, possessing "extraordinary technical sensitivity" and a "limitless vision" that makes him a "driving force" involved in every aspect of the team, from risks to setbacks and decisions.
• On the new in-house power unit for 2026, Mekies acknowledged the project's strong start but tempered expectations, stating the team is currently "a bit behind the other three top teams" (Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren) despite defying initial performance and reliability doubts.
• Regarding new signing Isack Hadjar, Mekies praised the 21-year-old Frenchman's commitment, noting he has moved to England, is frequently at the factory, and is leaving "nothing behind" in his preparation.

What's next:

The 2026 season will be the ultimate test of Red Bull's ambitious powertrain project and its driver lineup. Verstappen's off-track leadership will be vital in navigating the development race, while Hadjar's adaptation will be key to achieving Red Bull's goal of having both cars consistently scoring points. Mekies' stance is one of determined realism: ready to fight and catch up from a perceived slight deficit.