Verstappen Supports Mekies' Red Bull Extension Amid COTA Challenges

Max Verstappen has thrown his support behind Laurent Mekies' contract extension at Red Bull, while also expressing caution about the upcoming United States Grand Prix. The extension keeps Mekies as CEO and Team Principal until 2031, following his transition from Racing Bulls in 2025. Despite a rocky start under new 2026 regulations, which included Red Bull's collaboration with Ford on engine development, Mekies' leadership has been praised by Verstappen.

"It's been great news for everyone," Verstappen commented on Thursday in Austin. "He fully deserves it. He's a hard worker, and while this year hasn't been easy, he's proven to be a good leader. The team atmosphere is excellent, so extending his contract is the right move."

Red Bull has enjoyed significant success recently, with Verstappen clinching dominant wins in the last two races, positioning the team as a leading force in the 2026 season. However, Verstappen remains wary about replicating this success at COTA, noting the track's different conditions compared to Malaysia and Singapore.

"We've had two great weekends, but that's no guarantee for the future," he said. "The hot and humid conditions favored our engine, but COTA will be a dry race. There are many variables at play, so we'll approach it step by step. We're aware of areas where our car needs improvement, and while they can't be fixed for this year, we're hopeful for next year."

As the team gears up for the race in Austin, Verstappen's balanced outlook reflects both confidence in Red Bull's recent form and an understanding of the challenges that lie ahead.