Max Verstappen is witnessing a significant change at Red Bull as Laurent Mekies assumes leadership, aiming to build a more balanced two-car team, according to former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer. This transition marks a shift in team dynamics that could reshape Verstappen’s relationship with his teammate and the broader Red Bull squad.
Red Bull’s Leadership Change and Its Impact on Team Strategy
The recent dismissal of Christian Horner as Red Bull’s team principal came as a shock following the British Grand Prix. Horner had been at the helm since the inception of Red Bull’s Formula 1 operation, guiding the team to six Constructors’ Championships and leading drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen to four Drivers’ titles each. Laurent Mekies, who took over as team boss, has now overseen four grands prix, bringing fresh energy to the team’s approach.
Jolyon Palmer observes that Mekies’ leadership is driving a renewed focus on the second driver’s role within Red Bull. Under Horner, Palmer quips,
“sometimes barely knew he had a second driver in the field,”
highlighting the historical emphasis on Verstappen as the clear team leader. Mekies’ arrival appears to be shifting that perspective, offering Verstappen’s teammate more attention and resources, particularly noticeable in the case of Yuki Tsunoda.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Progress Amid New Management
While Yuki Tsunoda’s performances have yet to fully meet expectations, Palmer notes tangible improvements since Mekies took charge. Tsunoda’s gap to Verstappen has narrowed, and Mekies has allocated upgrades to Tsunoda’s car at critical moments, an approach Palmer contrasts with Horner’s era. For instance, at the Belgian Grand Prix, Tsunoda received an upgraded floor just prior to qualifying, a move that Palmer says
“they wouldn’t have done in the Horner era of Red Bull.”
At Belgium, Tsunoda managed to qualify just under four-tenths slower than Verstappen but still progressed to Q3. Furthermore, Tsunoda’s points finish at Zandvoort ended a seven-race streak of non-top-10 finishes. These signs of progress highlight Mekies’ intent to establish Red Bull as a team that nurtures both drivers more evenly, though Tsunoda still carries the pressure to prove his worth ahead of contract decisions for 2026.
Max Verstappen’s Perspective on Red Bull’s Team Evolution
Palmer suggests that Verstappen is aware of the shift towards a more balanced team but remains the undisputed star of Red Bull’s lineup. Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Palmer explained that Verstappen recently confirmed his commitment to staying with Red Bull for next season, clearing a key uncertainty within the team’s new structure.
Regarding Verstappen’s reaction to Tsunoda receiving comparable car parts, Palmer remarked,
“I don’t know. I think, because they’re not in a title push, it makes a lot of sense. They’re not sacrificing anything on Verstappen’s car, apart from, potentially, like, extra spares. Max Verstappen isn’t a driver that often needs any spares. So I think he’d be okay with it.”
Palmer further highlighted the contrast with Horner’s management style, stating that Mekies dedicates more focus to Tsunoda’s performance and car setup. He added,
“Obviously, he will see the shift in probably more of the boss’s time being spent trying to understand what’s going on Yuki’s car, whereas before, I think sometimes Christian barely knew he had a second driver in the field!”
Despite these changes, Palmer emphasized Verstappen’s central role in Red Bull’s ambitions. He said,
“But Max knows that he’s the star there. He will still be the star there, and if Red Bull want to win next year, they will need to get the most out of Max, because if Yuki stays, he’s not going to be a championship contender next year. He could be a decent support act at best for Verstappen in the new regs.”
Palmer
The Rising Competition for Red Bull’s Second Seat
Yuki Tsunoda faces increasing pressure to secure his place in the senior Red Bull team as competition intensifies within their driver development ranks. Isack Hadjar has impressed this season with Racing Bulls, achieving a maiden podium finish in the Dutch Grand Prix. Liam Lawson has also shown strong form after recovering from an early demotion back to Racing Bulls.
Laurent Mekies has made clear that Red Bull’s decision on Verstappen’s 2026 teammate will be carefully considered. He downplayed the idea of rushing the choice based solely on recent race results, emphasizing the long-term perspective of Red Bull managing its pool of contracted drivers.
Mekies told media after Hadjar’s podium at Zandvoort,
“So, hence, the simple true story is that we will take our time. I’m not telling you that we’ll wait until the last race, because also, there is a dynamic by which you want to let your driver know. But we have time.”
Laurent Mekies
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Red Bull and Verstappen
This reorganization at Red Bull signals a strategic shift aimed at strengthening both cars within the team, rather than focusing almost exclusively on Verstappen. While Verstappen remains the clear lead driver and championship favorite, Mekies’ approach suggests a desire to build more team depth in preparation for evolving regulations and future seasons.
For Tsunoda, this means he must continue to improve and capitalize on the increased support, as Red Bull evaluates whether to promote talent like Hadjar or Lawson for 2026. Verstappen’s ongoing leadership and performance will be vital to Red Bull’s aspirations, especially as the team adapts to new management and competitive pressures in Formula 1’s high-stakes environment.
