The Formula 1 world is once again on fire after a striking statement by Laurent Mekies, the new team boss of Red Bull Racing, who succeeded the fired Christian Horner in the mid-season 2025. In a recent press conference, Mekies stated that Yuki Tsunoda, the current teammate of Max Verstappen, will not be replaced in 2026, making rumors about a possible chair dance at Red Bull. In addition, Mekies made a shocking statement about Verstappen that brought the media into turmoil: “Max is not going anywhere. He is the backbone of this team, and we build everything around him.” These words, pronounced with unprecedented fault, have surprised both fans and analysts, especially in view of the ongoing speculations about Verstappen’s future at Red Bull after a turbulent season.
Laurent Mekies, a French engineer with more than 25 years of experience in motorsport, was appointed CEO and team boss of Red Bull Racing at the beginning of July 2025 after his successful period as a team boss of Racing Bulls, the sister team of Red Bull. His switch came at a time when Red Bull is struggling with disappointing performance, with a fourth place in the constructors championship and an RB21 car that is even difficult for Verstappen to tame. Mekies, who previously worked at Ferrari, Toro Rosso and the FIA, brought a wealth of experience, including his crucial role in the development of the Halo security measure. His appointment was seen as an attempt to bring stability in a team that is plagued by internal unrest after the departure of Horner and the continuous rumors about a possible switch from Verstappen to Mercedes.
The decision to keep Tsunoda is striking, given his changeable achievements in 2025. The Japanese driver, who has been taking the place of Liam Lawson since April, has difficulty keeping up with Verstappen, with a point difference of 165 to 7, as reported by Auto, Motor und Sport. Yet Mekies praised Tsunoda’s progress, pointing to his recent points finishes and improved consistency. “Yuki is a valuable part of our project. He stays with us in 2026, and we believe in his potential,” said Mekies. This decision seems partly inspired by the support of Honda, the motor supplier of Red Bull and an important sponsor of Tsunoda. However, critics such as former driver Johnny Herbert state that Tsunoda’s performance is not enough to bring Red Bull back to the top, certainly not in a season in which McLaren dominates with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Mekies’s statement about Verstappen, “he’s not going anywhere,” was a direct response to rumors that the four -time world champion would switch to Mercedes in 2026, as suggested by Sky Sports Italia. These rumors were fueled by Red Bull’s disappointing performance and an escape clause in Verstappen’s contract, which would allow him to leave if Red Bull is not in the top three of the constructors ‘championship at the Summer Stop of 2025. Mekies’ words seem intended to reassure both fans and the Paddock, but they also have speculation too speculation restructure. On X, fans went loose, with some who praised Mekies’ trust and others who doubted his ability to keep Verstappen satisfied, given the RB21s defects.
Verstappen himself remains focused on the season, despite his frustrations by car and the FIA, as was apparent from his boycott of official press moments after a controversial community service in Singapore. His two wins in 2025, in Japan and Imola, show his exceptional talent, but the gap of 49 points with championship leader Piastri remains a challenge. Mekies stands for a huge task: the recovery of Red Bulls dominance while he leads a team that, according to Martin Brundle, “does not function” since Horners departure. With the arrival of new regulations and tires in 2026, and its own power source in collaboration with Ford, the pressure on Mekies is immense. His firm statements about Tsunoda and Verstappen signal a clear vision, but whether he can bring Red Bull back to the top remains the big question that the Formula 1 world keeps in excitement.
