Max Verstappen Backs Laurent Mekies Over Toto Wolff for Red Bull Leadership

Max Verstappen is sticking with Laurent Mekies, having no interest in swapping the Red Bull team principal for Mercedes' Toto Wolff. The Dutchman is convinced that Mekies, who took over from Christian Horner and recently extended his contract to 2031, is "exactly the right" fit for Red Bull.

Since 2024, Verstappen has been a hot topic between Red Bull and Mercedes. Despite being locked in a long-term deal with Red Bull, Mercedes' team principal Wolff hasn't been shy about wanting Verstappen to step in after Lewis Hamilton's departure to Ferrari. Talks continued into 2025, but Verstappen ultimately decided extending his stay with Red Bull until 2030 was the "right choice."

Under Mekies' leadership, Red Bull has seen positive momentum, and although they still trail behind Mercedes in the championship race, Verstappen is content with Mekies at the helm. "If someone asked me which team boss I would swap him for from the paddock, there wouldn’t be one," Verstappen told Sport Bild.

Verstappen appreciates Mekies' approach, noting, "He’s a really good person with a big heart. We talk about everything. About Formula 1, but also about life." Mekies' empathy as a father resonates with Verstappen, who is also a young dad, adding a personal touch to their professional relationship.

Looking ahead, Verstappen is in the mix for a strong finish in the Drivers' Championship, currently fourth and gunning for a runner-up position behind Kimi Antonelli. With five races remaining, he's just six points behind George Russell in P2. Meanwhile, Red Bull has climbed to third in the Constructors' Championship, overtaking McLaren.