Verstappen backs Laurent Mekies’ Red Bull contract extension but cautions against expecting a third straight U.S. GP win

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

Max Verstappen has thrown his support behind Laurent Mekies’ contract extension with Red Bull, while cautioning that expectations for another dominant display at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix may be misplaced. Speaking during Thursday’s media day in Austin, Verstappen said the announcement is positive for the team and that Mekies “fully deserves it,” adding that he is a “very hard worker” and a “good leader.”

Verstappen also linked the decision to the current environment inside the team. He said that while the year “at times… it has not been easy for him,” the overall atmosphere is strong, which he described as making it “only right to extend the contract.”

The extension was announced earlier this month and will keep Mekies in his roles as Red Bull CEO and Team Principal until 2031. The deal follows his move from Racing Bulls in 2025, and it arrives after Red Bull’s early adaptation period under the new-for-2026 regulations, including efforts to build their own engines alongside Ford.

Verstappen said Red Bull has begun to show progress during the 2026 campaign under Mekies’ leadership, and that this improvement is reflected in the results. He pointed to the previous two Grands Prix as examples of Red Bull becoming the “in-form team,” with Verstappen claiming dominant victories in both.

Despite the recent form, Verstappen argued that a hat-trick at COTA is not assured. He said Red Bull’s recent successes are “no guarantee” that the coming races will look the same, emphasizing that the conditions and track characteristics differ from those at Malaysia and Singapore.

The Dutchman highlighted how track and weather factors may influence performance. He described the last two races as “really… hot and humid,” noting that Red Bull’s engine appeared to perform well in those conditions, before contrasting that with this weekend’s move to “a very dry race.”

Looking ahead, Verstappen said the team will approach the event “step by step,” keeping expectations grounded. He added that they want to “improve a lot” on aspects of the car that cannot be fixed or changed for this year, with the focus turning toward what can be carried into next season.