Max Verstappen has praised Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies, insisting there is nobody in the Formula 1 paddock he would rather work with, despite his strong relationship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and previous discussions about a possible move to the Silver Arrows.
The four-time world champion believes Mekies is the ideal person to lead Red Bull, highlighting the Frenchman’s technical understanding, personal qualities and ability to understand his drivers.
Speaking to Sport Bild, Verstappen made his position clear when asked whether he would consider replacing Mekies with another team principal.
“If someone were to ask me which team principal I would swap him for in the paddock, there wouldn’t be anyone,” the Dutchman said.
Verstappen addresses his relationship with Toto Wolff
Verstappen’s comments come despite his longstanding relationship with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. The pair have enjoyed a close rapport for several years, with discussions about a potential move to Mercedes taking place in the past.
However, Verstappen was keen to distinguish their personal relationship from his professional commitment to Red Bull.
“There’s always a lot of talk, and it’s no secret that we get along well,” he explained.
“But Laurent is exactly the right team principal for Red Bull.”
The comments offer a clear indication of Verstappen’s confidence in Mekies, who has earned the driver’s backing through his approach to managing the team and working with its personnel.
For Red Bull, that support could prove particularly valuable as the team looks to maintain its recent resurgence and challenge Mercedes for supremacy in Formula 1.
Why Mekies has earned Verstappen’s trust
Verstappen highlighted Mekies’ combination of engineering knowledge and communication skills as key strengths.
The Red Bull team principal has the technical background to understand the complexities of a Formula 1 car, while also possessing the ability to communicate effectively with people across different areas of the organisation.
“He’s a really good person with a big heart. We talk about everything. About Formula 1, but also about life,” Verstappen said.
The Dutchman also described Mekies as empathetic, explaining that his experience as a father helps him understand the pressures drivers face.
“That’s not a given in Formula 1,” Verstappen added.
His comments suggest that the relationship extends beyond the usual working arrangement between a driver and team principal. Trust, communication and an understanding of the personal demands of competing at the highest level appear to be central to their partnership.
Verstappen impressed by Antonelli’s championship potential
While Verstappen is firmly backing Red Bull’s leadership, he has also been impressed by the progress of Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli.
The Italian has emerged as a leading figure in the 2026 championship battle, with Mercedes enjoying a strong campaign under the current regulations.
Verstappen, who made his own breakthrough as a teenager, believes Antonelli still has considerable room for improvement.
“He’s an exceptional talent,” the Red Bull driver said.
“He hasn’t yet reached 100 percent of his potential, and winning the World Championship will only make him better.”
Verstappen explained that securing a first world title can change a driver’s mentality by removing the pressure associated with achieving the ultimate ambition in motorsport.
“Once you’ve been World Champion, you become calmer. You’ve fulfilled your life’s ambition and approach race weekends with a more relaxed attitude.”
The assessment reflects Verstappen’s own experience of winning championships and the confidence that can come with achieving that milestone.
Verstappen delivers his verdict on Hamilton
Verstappen also offered a measured assessment of Lewis Hamilton’s prospects, suggesting the Ferrari driver may be approaching the limit of his development as a competitor.
“Age shouldn’t matter these days, but he probably won’t get any faster,” Verstappen said.
“Don’t get me wrong: I’m not saying Lewis will get slower, just that he won’t get any faster. It’s different with Kimi. There’s still more to come from him.”
The distinction is significant. Verstappen was not predicting an immediate decline for Hamilton, but rather arguing that Antonelli has greater scope to improve while the seven-time world champion is unlikely to find another substantial increase in outright pace.
With Red Bull showing improved form and Mercedes remaining a major force, Verstappen’s comments underline the contrasting stages of development facing some of Formula 1’s leading drivers.
For now, however, his own priority appears clear: he has confidence in Mekies and sees no reason to look elsewhere for a team principal, even when the alternative is a figure with whom he has maintained a close relationship for years.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
