Red Bull wary of 'big responsibility' after Max Verstappen extension

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has stated his squad has a “huge” responsibility to provide Max Verstappen with a competitive car.

The two parties confirmed ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend that they would continue their partnership until at least the end of the 2030 season.

It brings an end to months of speculation over Verstappen's future, which linked him to rival teams as well as retirement from F1.

Verstappen's commitment comes despite Red Bull slipping back in the pecking order this year - however, Mekies insisted it now holds a duty to repay the four-time champion's trust.

“It's phenomenal news, certainly for Red Bull Racing, I dare to say for F1 and perhaps even more globally for the sport,” Mekies told media including RacingNews365.

“If there is one word that comes to mind, it's actually the first message we exchanged when it was done, is what a demonstration of trust Max has put in the team by making this decision. 

“We don't take it lightly. With that trust comes a huge amount of responsibility in living up to being able to give him the best package for the years to come.

“If one thinks about the role that Max has in the team, it's a lot more than the fastest driver in the world for us. 

“We have been saying it many, many times: he's the central point of the team. He's the one we always refer to for all the strategic decisions we are making.

“To know that he is going to be with us to build that next winning cycle, it's phenomenal.”

Red Bull has failed to start the current cycle of technical regulations in strong fashion, and is the only team inside the top four who has not yet won a grand prix.

But Mekies asserted that Verstappen's commitment will go a long way to ensuring it gets back into a competitive position going forward.

“More globally, if one thinks to 'what are the pillars you need to have in order to open that winning cycles again?'” Mekies said.

“Certainly the driver side is done now. We have been saying many, many times that we trust we have the best talents in Milton Keynes, and that's the second pillar. 

“The third is the number of strategic decisions that have been made that we trust will give us a competitive advantage. 

“I'm referring to many, many of the fun stuff we have in Milton Keynes with the wind tunnels and a few other secrets.”