Verstappen admitted last month that he is weighing up his future in Formula 1, having previously become frustrated at the impact of the new regulations that have been implemented for this season. It was announced earlier this month that Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase would be leaving the team to join McLaren, with the switch expected to take place in 2028.
The announcement led to further speculation about Verstappen’s future with Red Bull, but Mekies has played down the rumours and emphasised the importance that the 28-year-old has to the team. “Absolutely not,” said Mekies, via the Independent, when asked if Mekies’ exit would lead to the departure of Verstappen from the team. “That’s my direct answer to you.
“Obviously, we speak with Max every day. And Max knows motorsport upside-down. He’s living and breathing this team.
“The team has been extremely successful and you can’t promote everyone. And some people make some decisions. In the big scheme of things, Max also knows [this] very well, it represents such a tiny part, which we accept you guys [media] focus on, compared to the reality.”
Mekies’ comments come after Verstappen spoke about his future in Formula 1 after finishing eighth at the Japanese Grand Prix in the previous race on the calendar. “That’s what I’m saying. I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock. Privately, I’m very happy,” Verstappen told the BBC in Suzuka last month.
“You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about it: is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”
He added: “I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am. Because I also know that you can’t be dominating or be first or second or whatever, fighting for a podium every time.
“I’m very realistic in that, and I’ve been there before. I’ve not only been winning in F1, but at the same time when you are in P7 or P8 and you are not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn’t feel natural to a racing driver
“Of course I try to adapt to it, but it’s not nice the way you have to race. It’s really anti-driving. Then at one point, yeah, it’s just not what I want to do.
“And of course you can look at it and make a lot of money. Great. But at the end of the day it’s not about money any more because this has always been my passion.”