Red Bull express 'relief' after 'spectacular' Max Verstappen exploits

Laurent Mekies has conceded there was "relief" in seeing Max Verstappen finish the recent Nürburgring 24 Hours unscathed, but recognises what the four-time F1 champion achieved was still "spectacular".

Verstappen and his team-mates Dani Juncadella, Lucas Auer and Jules Gounon were comfortably leading the race when, with three hours remaining, their Mercedes AMG GT3 suffered a driveshaft failure, consigning them to 38th place by the chequered flag.

Regardless of what unfolded, Verstappen still realised an ambition of competing in one of the stand-out sports car races, and has indicated he could return next year for a revenge mission.

Naturally, for all at Red Bull, they had to hold their breath throughout the weekend, hoping no harm befell their prized asset.

Red Bull boss Mekies is adamant he and the team "genuinely support" Verstappen in his extracurricular activities away from F1.

As to whether he watched the event, speaking to the media, including RacingNews365, Mekies said: "We had a deal whereby, when he was taking a bit too much risk, he'd hide [from] me the onboard, just for all of us to be a bit more relaxed.

"But no, look, it’s been spectacular. He missed the win by not much, but certainly his speed was incredible. And he came back with a big smile, full of motivation, and that’s what matters.

"When I say he’s coming back with a big smile, he’s coming back with a big smile. He’s also having a big smile the week before because he knows he’s going to do this different kind of racing.

"It’s great that he’s so in love with the sport, 360 degrees, every aspect of the sport."

What that means for Red Bull, however, is that they have to provide Verstappen with free rein, for the most part, to allow him to do whatever he likes.

With that comes risk, to which Mekies said: " Of course, we are a little bit relieved when the race is over, and we know he’s going to jump on the plane and join us back.

"But overall, it’s very positive for the sport, for motorsport as a whole, for Max and for the team."