Formula 1’s leadership has issued a strong message to Red Bull Racing following the dramatic exit of long-time Team Principal Christian Horner: the team must now shoulder a greater responsibility in supporting reigning world champion Max Verstappen. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasized that Red Bull must build a robust ecosystem around Verstappen to ensure the Dutch driver remains competitive and motivated amid internal restructuring and performance challenges.
The warning comes as Red Bull navigates a turbulent phase marked by leadership changes, technical staff exits, and a dip in on-track dominance. Horner’s departure in July 2025, following allegations of misconduct and a subsequent power struggle within the Milton Keynes-based outfit, has left a leadership vacuum that new Team Principal Laurent Mekies is now tasked with filling.
Domenicali’s Message: Verstappen Needs a Stronger Car and Stable Support
Speaking to RN365, Domenicali praised Verstappen as “the best driver” and a “phenomenal talent,” but cautioned that Red Bull must do more to provide him with the machinery and environment necessary to win consistently. “Within the new team structure, I think Red Bull has to provide him with a better car. But they will definitely work 100% on that,” Domenicali said.
He added that Mekies must now lead a team that allows Verstappen to focus solely on racing, without distractions from internal politics or technical instability. “Laurent will work with an ecosystem built around Verstappen, within which Verstappen can fully focus. He naturally wants to win and be the fastest every lap. Verstappen will help the team get back on top,” Domenicali noted.
| Leadership Role | Individual | Responsibility Post-Horner Exit |
|---|---|---|
| F1 CEO | Stefano Domenicali | Oversight of sport’s integrity and competitiveness |
| Red Bull Team Principal | Laurent Mekies | Rebuilding team structure, supporting Verstappen |
| Lead Driver | Max Verstappen | Performance, feedback, team morale |
Horner’s Exit: A Turning Point for Red Bull
Christian Horner’s removal as Team Principal and CEO followed a months-long internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior. The fallout exposed deeper rifts within Red Bull, including tensions with Verstappen’s camp and the departure of technical guru Adrian Newey.
Horner’s exit was seen by many as a move to appease Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, who had publicly criticized Horner’s leadership during the 2024 season. Despite the controversy, Max Verstappen has maintained that Horner’s departure will not influence his future decisions. “It has no influence on what I’m doing,” Verstappen said ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.
| Timeline of Events | Description |
|---|---|
| Early 2024 | Allegations against Horner surface |
| Mid-2024 | Adrian Newey and other key staff exit |
| July 2025 | Horner officially removed by Red Bull GmbH |
| August–September 2025 | Mekies appointed; Verstappen wins Italian GP |
Verstappen’s Performance Post-Horner: Signs of a Turnaround
Despite the off-track drama, Verstappen has shown signs of resurgence under Mekies’ leadership. After struggling through mid-2024, Verstappen returned to form with a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix and a dominant win at Monza, where he finished 19 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Verstappen credited Mekies’ engineering background for the turnaround. “With Laurent having an engineering background, he’s asking the right questions to the engineers — common-sense questions. So I think that works really well,” Verstappen said.
| Race | Result | Verstappen’s Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch GP | Podium Finish | “Home crowd gave me a boost” |
| Italian GP (Monza) | Victory (Pole to Win) | “Setup finally felt under control” |
| Belgian GP | Top 5 Finish | “Still work to do, but direction is right” |
Mekies’ Role: Engineering Stability and Team Rebuild
Laurent Mekies, formerly of Racing Bulls, has taken over as Red Bull’s Team Principal with a dual mandate: stabilize the engineering department and rebuild team morale. Mekies has downplayed his role in Verstappen’s recent success, attributing it to the “1500 people working on the car.”
However, insiders suggest that Mekies’ technical acumen and calm leadership style have already begun to restore confidence within the team. His ability to ask “common-sense questions” and streamline communication between drivers and engineers has been cited as a key factor in the recent performance uptick.
| Key Leadership Traits | Laurent Mekies’ Approach |
|---|---|
| Technical Expertise | Engineering-led decision making |
| Communication | Direct feedback loops with drivers and engineers |
| Humility | Credits team over individual leadership |
| Crisis Management | Navigating post-Horner restructuring |
Verstappen’s Future: Contract, Clauses, and Speculation
Max Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, but rumors persist about a potential move to Mercedes in 2026. Reports suggest that Verstappen has an exit clause that could be triggered if he falls below fourth in the Drivers’ Championship.
Currently, Verstappen sits 18 points clear of fourth-place George Russell, keeping the clause inactive. Verstappen has repeatedly stated that his focus remains on performance and not politics. “The only thing that matters is that we work on the car and make it as fast as we can make it really,” he said.
| Contract Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Duration | Until end of 2028 |
| Exit Clause | Triggered if below P4 in standings |
| Current Position | Above clause threshold |
| Speculated Move | Linked to Mercedes for 2026 |
F1’s Broader Message: Protecting Star Drivers and Team Integrity
Domenicali’s comments reflect a broader concern within Formula 1 about maintaining competitive balance and protecting the sport’s marquee talents. Verstappen, a four-time world champion, is seen as central to F1’s global appeal. Ensuring that he remains motivated and well-supported is not just Red Bull’s responsibility—it’s a priority for the sport itself.
The CEO’s remarks also signal a shift in how F1 views team dynamics, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and driver-centric ecosystems.
| F1 Strategic Focus | Domenicali’s Priorities |
|---|---|
| Driver Welfare | Support systems for top talents |
| Team Accountability | Clear leadership and ethical governance |
| Competitive Integrity | Avoid dominance through balanced regulations |
| Global Appeal | Retain star drivers to grow fanbase |
Conclusion
The exit of Christian Horner has ushered in a new era for Red Bull Racing—one filled with uncertainty, opportunity, and responsibility. As F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali warns, the team must now rally around Max Verstappen, not just with a faster car, but with a stable, supportive environment that allows him to thrive.
With Laurent Mekies at the helm and Verstappen showing signs of renewed form, Red Bull has a chance to reclaim its place at the top. But the road ahead will require more than engineering fixes—it will demand leadership, unity, and a clear vision for the future.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements. All team decisions, driver contracts, and performance outcomes are subject to change based on ongoing developments in the Formula 1 season.
