New Red Bull boss explains how to keep 'magic' Max Verstappen

New Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies has explained what the team must do to retain the services of "magic" Max Verstappen. 

Verstappen's short and long-term futures at Red Bull appear uncertain following a drastic slide in performance over the last 12 months, with Christian Horner ultimately being dismissed from his position as team principal and CEO on July 9th, to be replaced by Racing Bulls chief Mekies.

Mercedes and Aston Martin have both been strongly linked with a move for Verstappen, although it does now appear that the Dutchman will stay put for 2026, the first year of the sweeping technical regulation changes, before re-evaluating his options for 2027.

Verstappen's current contract expires at the end of 2028, and on Thursday, ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, he explained that Honer's exit would have no impact on the decision over his future.

Speaking publicly for the first time since assuming control, Mekies gave a simple target for the team to ensure Verstappen does not leave.

"The truth is Red Bull is hugely committed to Max," Mekies told F1. 

"The way we can be hugely committed to Max is by giving him the best possible car. 

"And giving him the best possible car is what every single person in the company wants more than anything else.

"So that's where the effort is made, and the rest will be a consequence. But of course, Max is central to the project, and he's key to the project, and we need his magic at the racetrack.

"He has been with the team for a very long time, and he has huge inputs in helping us drive the next competitive edge that we will need to build."

When asked if he felt the team could deliver such a car to Verstappen, Mekies felt positive that it was the case.

"I think the team has everything to do that,' he said. "It has the means. It has the spirit. 

"And most importantly, it has the talents. So in short, I think we have everything to be able to give that to our drivers."