Mekies: Verstappen gives Red Bull a 'triple advantage' for 2026

Laurent Mekies believes Max Verstappen provides Red Bull with a "triple advantage" as the team aims to bounce back from a trophyless 2025 and tackle the massive challenge of the 2026 regulation overhaul. While the team principal admits it would be "crazy" to expect immediate dominance with their new power unit, he emphasizes that Verstappen's deep involvement is critical to their ambitious return to the top.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season represents a massive reset for the grid, and Red Bull is undertaking the complex task of running its own power unit division. Success relies heavily on correlating simulation data with track reality, making Verstappen's technical input more vital than ever. His ability to guide the team through these uncharted waters could determine how quickly Red Bull closes the gap to the front.

The details:

Mekies broke down Verstappen's specific contributions into three key areas that define his value to the team:

• Commitment: Verstappen’s total dedication to the project provides a foundational boost for the entire squad during a high-pressure transition period.
• Technical Insight: New regulations will grant drivers significantly more control over the car, making Verstappen’s "feel" and "brainpower" essential for optimizing performance and handling complex issues.
• Direction: His capacity to push the team in the right direction ensures that Red Bull extracts the maximum potential from both the chassis and the new engine.

Looking ahead:

Mekies maintains a realistic outlook, stating it would be "very naive" to think Red Bull will be top-tier immediately given the scope of the changes. However, he asserts that Verstappen understands the situation completely and is involved in every risk analysis and discussion. The shared mindset remains clear: the only acceptable goal is to be number one, even if the journey to get there requires patience.