Red Bull 'blown away' by Max Verstappen's technical feedback and motorsport immersion

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has expressed astonishment at Max Verstappen's unparalleled technical feedback and his total immersion in motorsport, describing the four-time champion as the team's "best sensor." Mekies, reflecting on his first half-season working directly with Verstappen, highlighted how the driver's sensitivity and constant engagement elevate the entire team's performance, even in a challenging season.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's unique combination of raw speed and deep technical understanding is a cornerstone of Red Bull's success. In a season where the car was not the outright fastest, his ability to extract performance and provide precise feedback became even more critical, showcasing a driver asset that goes far beyond just lap times.

The details:

• Mekies, who took over as team principal after the British Grand Prix, says working closely with Verstappen is a revelation, noting the "quality of the technical feedback" and "level of sensitivity he has to the car" heard on team radios.
• The team jokingly refers to Verstappen as their "best sensor" and "most expensive" one, underscoring his value as a critical data point for car development.
• Beyond his driving, Mekies emphasized Verstappen's complete submersion in motorsport, describing it as "unreal." His life revolves around racing, with sim racing between Grands Prix and competing in GT3 cars on free weekends, all with the intent to learn and improve.
• This constant engagement allows him to immerse himself in technical projects, effectively communicate with engineers, and ensure the entire team is pushing in the same direction.

The big picture:

While Lando Norris secured the 2025 drivers' title, Verstappen's performance in the less-fancied RB21 was widely regarded as exceptional. He took the fight to the dominant McLarens even before a critical floor upgrade at Monza, demonstrating a mesmerizing ability to drag himself back into contention. Mekies' insights reveal that Verstappen's greatest strength may be this holistic, 24/7 approach to his craft, which transforms him from a mere driver into a central technical pillar for the team.