Red Bull Racing may not be leading the championships this season, but they’re still front and centre of the paddock’s news. Their internal power shifts have been the story of the 2025 season, and their impact on star driver Max Verstappen is becoming increasingly clear.
According to former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher, a significant and noticeable change has come over the four-time world champion. A shift he attributes to the arrival of the new Red Bull team principal, Laurent Mekies.
Mekies In, Horner Out
Earlier this year, Red Bull parted ways with long-serving team principal Christian Horner amidst internal turmoil and allegations, a move that sent shockwaves through the paddock. Laurent Mekies was then appointed as the new team principal.
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Mekies, a highly experienced figure with a deep technical and strategic understanding of F1, was tasked with steadying the ship. His arrival marked the end of a prolonged period of political instability within the team.
Internal politics at Red Bull had threatened to overshadow its on-track performance and priorities. It even cast doubt on Verstappen’s future with the team he has dominated with since 2022.
For a team accustomed to crushing dominance, the 2025 season has been a brutal wake-up call. Currently sitting a distant fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull has managed just two race wins and five podiums, a far cry from their record-breaking form of the previous years. The pressure to close the gap to rivals McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes is immense.
A noticeable shift in Max Verstappen
The change in leadership appears to have had a direct and positive impact on Max Verstappen. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, speaking to Sky Sports, has been analysing the situation and noted a distinct difference in the Dutchman’s attitude since Mekies took charge.
“His tone has clearly changed since Mekies arrived,” Schumacher observed. “That’s positive, but the pressure to perform remains. The last race was difficult, to put it mildly. If a few more races like that follow, and the race in the Netherlands is also disappointing, the pressure on the team will increase.”
Schumacher’s comments highlight the delicate balance. While a more stable environment has improved Verstappen’s mood, results are the ultimate currency in F1.
Continued struggles would test the newfound harmony and inevitably lead to renewed speculation about Verstappen’s next move, despite his contract running through 2028. This has led to widespread belief that the driver’s long-term future is not yet set in stone.
🔵| Martin Brundle believes George Russell’s Mercedes future isn’t certain after Max Verstappen exit talk:
Speaking to Sky F1, Brundle said: “I think if Max Verstappen sprung into the marketplace, I would be quite worried for George, actually, because Kimi is obviously their man… pic.twitter.com/vMjueCqNvd
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) April 16, 2025
Schumacher suggested that “Verstappen’s future will be discussed again in the first third of next season,” advising caution for all parties. “There are so many new elements involved. You can burn your fingers by making a decision too early. It was smart of him to stay.”
For now, the arrival of Laurent Mekies has provided a calmer harbour for Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. However, in Formula 1, calm is always temporary.
True security will only be found not in a changed tone, but in a changed championship position. The team’s ability to return to winning ways will be the ultimate factor in determining whether their champion driver sees his long-term future with them.
