Red Bull's team principal, Laurent Mekies, confidently dismissed any concerns regarding Max Verstappen's commitment to Formula 1, despite the driver's strong criticism of the upcoming 2026 regulations. Verstappen has labeled the new cars as “not fun” and compared them to “Formula E on steroids.” Mekies views Verstappen's frustration as a normal reaction to significant changes rather than a sign of disinterest. He believes that Verstappen will excel under the new technical challenges, reinforcing Red Bull's faith in their star driver.

By the Numbers
  • Verstappen has won four world championships.
  • Mekies describes the new regulations as one of the largest overhauls in F1 history.
State of Play
  • F1 is undergoing a significant technical shift with the introduction of hefty hybrid systems and design changes in 2026.
  • Verstappen maintains his position that F1 should not stray towards electric-focused philosophies like Formula E.
What's Next

As the 2026 regulations approach, the focus will be on how drivers, specifically Verstappen, adapt to these changes and whether they can maintain the essence of traditional Formula 1 racing amidst the technological evolution.

Bottom Line

Despite Verstappen's vocal critiques, Red Bull remains confident that his competitive spirit will prevail, solidifying their belief that he will thrive under the new regulations while championing the sport's legacy.