Verstappen backs Mekies extension but warns against expecting another Austin win

Max Verstappen has backed Red Bull's decision to extend Laurent Mekies's contract, while cautioning that the team's recent winning form may not continue at this weekend's United States Grand Prix.

Speaking on Thursday at the media day in Austin, Verstappen praised Mekies's hard work and leadership, along with the atmosphere at Red Bull, and said the extension was deserved. Mekies will remain the team's CEO and team principal until 2031. He joined from Racing Bulls in 2025, and the extension was announced earlier this month.

Red Bull started the 2026 campaign slowly under the new regulations while also building its own engines alongside Ford. It has since shown signs of progress under Mekies and become the in-form team of the season; Verstappen took dominant victories in the previous two Grands Prix.

Verstappen also pointed to the changing conditions. The two previous races were hot and humid, and Red Bull's engine seemed to perform well in that weather, he said. Austin, by contrast, would bring a very dry race and other factors, he added. Red Bull wants to improve the car, but Verstappen said the changes it wants cannot be made during 2026; he hopes the improvements can come in 2027.