The future of Max Verstappen at Red Bull raises more and more questions. Laurent Mekies wanted to calm things down despite the announced departure of Gianpiero Lambiase.
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The announcement of Gianpiero Lambiase’s future departure to McLaren has revived speculation about the future of Max Verstappen in Formula 1, but Laurent Mekies immediately tried to reassure about the current stability of the Red Bull project.
The team principal insists that nothing changes in the short term and that the collaboration remains intact for several more seasons, despite the importance of the link between the Dutch driver and his race engineer.
“First, we do not feel that GP has already left. He will stay with us for another two years, as he has a long-term contract” Mekies specifies, before putting this career choice into context.
“He received an extraordinary opportunity. We understand that this kind of opportunity may only come once in a lifetime, and he decided to seize it.”
Verstappen involved in all decisions
Contrary to what some rumors suggest, Red Bull states that Max Verstappen is not kept out of internal discussions. On the contrary, the driver is fully involved in major decisions concerning the team.
Mekies emphasizes total transparency between the different parties, a key element to maintain trust in such a sensitive context.
“We talk with Max almost every day. He was fully aware of the discussions we had with GP, because we are totally transparent” Mekies says.
“Max does not evaluate the project from the outside, he is fully involved” he stresses, dismissing the idea of a driver already looking towards a departure.
A still committed but demanding Verstappen
Despite a difficult start to the season and a car hard to exploit, Red Bull assures that Verstappen remains fully invested in the project. The four-time world champion continues to push the team to improve.
Mekies highlights the total involvement of his driver, while acknowledging that his criticisms of the regulations and current performances are legitimate.
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“The Max we see is totally committed. He wants a fast car and he helps the team make it faster. He puts all his energy into this goal, Mekies says. He is very passionate about this sport and he has spoken out whenever he felt things needed to change.”
Performance, key to the future
While Red Bull wants to be reassuring, Mekies nevertheless acknowledges that Verstappen’s future will depend above all on the competitiveness of the car. After a difficult start to the season, the team can no longer afford mistakes.
Upgrades are expected as early as Miami, with the goal of giving Verstappen a car capable of fighting at the front.
“We know that our priority is to give him a car with which he can attack. We did not make things easy for him during the first three races and now we must give him a car with which he can push constantly” Mekies admits.
Persistent doubts about the future
Despite these reassuring statements, some observers remain skeptical. Ralf Schumacher believes that two scenarios are emerging for Verstappen, between a possible departure or a backstage preparation towards a more competitive team.
“Either Max Verstappen wants to stop – which I don’t think – or everything is being set up for him to join a team with a better future” Schumacher analyzes.
“Max is very impatient. I’m not sure that staying is really an option for him. We’re talking about at least two to three years before everything works” he adds.
McLaren not necessarily the best option
Finally, the McLaren option also divides observers. While the British team impresses with its recent progress, some doubt its ability to offer a project as solid as a factory team in the new regulatory era.
“McLaren has done an impressive job, but with the new rules, a factory team is a much better choice” Marc Surer believes.
“What they have shown these last two years is remarkable, but with a customer engine. And with a new regulation, this becomes a very important factor” he concludes.