How Max Verstappen is ‘feeling’ about working with Laurent Mekies as 2026 Red Bull future is decided

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Red Bull have successfully managed to avoid any possibility of Max Verstappen activating any exit clauses ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

It’s no longer possible for the Dutchman to head into the summer break lower than third in the drivers’ championship, with the gap to George Russell behind too big ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

After being linked to Mercedes for months, full focus can now turn to making sure that Verstappen has the best resources available to him for the 2026 F1 regulations.

However, Red Bull will have a lot on their hands as they build their own power unit for the first time in partnership with Ford. Reaching the top again will be harder than it has ever been.

Verstappen joining Mercedes was ‘out of the question’ almost immediately after the Belgian Grand Prix, due to the circumstances surrounding any possible move.

Fortunately, new team boss Laurent Mekies ‘excels’ in one area Verstappen has complained about and should be able to help translate his feedback into improvements on the car.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen has now reached an agreement that could see him leave Red Bull at the end of 2026

Max Verstappen is ‘feeling’ very positive about working with Laurent Mekies at Red Bull after 2026 fate decided

Verstappen has taken one ‘intense’ measure with Mekies to attack some of the weaknesses that the team must overcome.

Being on the same page will be important, considering that they will be working together for a long time. Helmut Marko recently confirmed to sport.de where Verstappen will be racing in 2026.

“Yes, I can confirm that Max Verstappen will drive for Red Bull in 2026,” he said.

The reigning champion’s contract is set to run until the end of 2028, but he has made no secret of his desire to race in other categories. He could hang his boots up before then.

Vitally, De Telegraaf reports that Verstappen is ‘feeling’ positive about his relationship with new boss Mekies and that he is ‘comfortable’ within the team.

Verstappen sent Red Bull a ‘fun will disappear’ warning about 2026, which serves as a reminder for the task ahead. If they fail to produce the goods and put him in contention, he can still leave.

READ MORE: Helmut Marko details the surprise engine ‘issues’ Max Verstappen and Red Bull faced at the Belgian Grand Prix

How Max Verstappen has matched shocking 2019 F1 record in 2025

Verstappen has managed just one podium in his last six races. You have to go back to the middle of the 2019 season to find the last time he was on such a barren run.

Back then, it was Honda’s first season back in the sport after a failed partnership with McLaren, and they were just about finding their feet.

Now, they’re about to wave goodbye to the Japanese manufacturer for good as they begin a new dawn in the sport for the first time in 20 years.

If their engine starts on a poor note, then it may not be too long before their superstar driver is looking at alternative options for the future.

Not being in contention for race victories is frustrating for any champion. Especially one that harboured hopes of a record-matching fifth consecutive title in 2025.