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How changes to Max Verstappen’s 2026 Red Bull deal could impact Laurent Mekies

Originally posted on HITC | By David Comerford | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 9:52 AM ET

Laurent Mekies needs time to settle in at Red Bull. He’s joining a team that isn’t in full crisis mode yet, but it’s not far off.

Christian Horner left Red Bull sitting fourth in the constructors’ standings, which would be their worst finish in a decade. Max Verstappen’s run of titles looks set to end, and the ongoing issues with the second driver haven’t improved under Yuki Tsunoda.

Mekies won’t have much say over next year’s car design either, with development already well underway. And the RB22, built for the new regulations, will also be out of his hands by then.

Red Bull might not be able to make any meaningful changes until at least late 2026 or even 2027. Horner had a two-decade run at Red Bull, but most team principals don’t even make it through two seasons before pressure starts mounting on them.

Max Verstappen’s exit clauses become more favourable from 2026

One of Mekies’ first tasks, alongside the rest of the senior management, will be to secure Verstappen for 2026. It’s a priority that can’t be overstated.

There have been reports suggesting Verstappen had some involvement in Horner’s departure, but that doesn’t mean his future is settled. Mekies will need to convince him that staying is the right move.

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Verstappen is tied to Red Bull until 2028, but there are exit clauses in his contract. This season, he needs to stay within the top three drivers’ standings, which looks achievable at this stage.

However, The Race has reported that from 2026 onwards, those clauses become even more favourable for Verstappen. Red Bull will need to hit higher performance standards if they want to keep him beyond then.

Laurent Mekies is walking into a job that won’t be defined by early results

It’s easy to forget that when Verstappen signed his contract extension in 2022, he was already on his way to a second world title. Even then, he was careful not to tie himself down too long with major regulation changes looming.

One early concern for Mekies is the Red Bull engine programme. The project is reportedly behind schedule, and if progress doesn’t pick up soon, it could put the team in breach of Verstappen’s contract conditions.

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Even if those exit clauses become active, Verstappen doesn’t have to use them. But if Red Bull can’t keep up with the competition, he’ll need real proof that they can close the gap quickly.

Mekies has support from inside the paddock too. Ralf Schumacher believes he’ll do well at Red Bull after moving up from the sister team—a promotion that could also benefit Tsunoda, who performed well under him at Faenza.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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