Red Bull boss hails Max Verstappen importance: 'He gives us a triple advantage'

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has hailed the importance of Max Verstappen, noting that he gives the Austrian outfit a "triple advantage."

Verstappen remaining with the Milton Keynes-based outfit for the start of the new power unit regulations is a major boost for Red Bull, given the conversations that were held with Mercedes.

The Dutchman’s future was a significant talking point for the first half of the 2025 season, with George Russell having confirmed at the Austrian Grand Prix that his own contract talks with Mercedes had been delayed by discussions between the Silver Arrows and Verstappen.

However, ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen put all the rumours and speculation to bed by stating that he would remain with Red Bull for 2026. Despite this, performance clauses reportedly remain in his contract, allowing an exit before his deal concludes at the end of the 2028 season.

Mekies has already acknowledged that the 28-year-old sticking with Red Bull is a "risk," given the new regulations but also the fact that the team is producing its own power unit for the first time in its history.

There is a huge unknown surrounding just how competitive the RB22 will be, with a true answer unlikely to emerge until the opening rounds.

Nevertheless, Verstappen will be with Red Bull for the start of F1 and the team’s new era, with Mekies addressing exactly what the four-time world champion brings to the outfit.

"I think we have a triple advantage with Max," Mekies told De Telegraaf. "First of all, because of his commitment. 

"Number two is his feeling in the car and the extra brain capacity he has in the car to deal with all those issues.

"Finally, Max can push the team in the right direction like no other, which helps us get even more out of the car. He thus gives us a significant boost."