Red Bull wary of 'price to pay' over major F1 decision

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has acknowledged there will be a “price to pay” for the decision to continue the development of the RB21 challenger.

The Milton Keynes-based squad is still applying upgrades to its current car despite the primary focus across the grid being on next year's entry.

The 2026 cars are being built under a fresh set of technical regulations, which will see brand-new chassis and power unit rules come into effect.

Red Bull, however, has become a late challenger in the drivers' championship this year with Max Verstappen currently sitting just 36 points behind leader Lando Norris.

While Mekies acknowledged the new parts will have no direct impact on the 2026 car, he detailed the processes of the late-season development will help it in the long term. 

“We are doing it this way because we think for us, let alone the other guys, we think for us it's a net gain,” Mekies told media including RacingNews365.

“We validate our approaches and hence we apply it for 2026.

“If we thought it would compromise it, we would not be doing it.

“We know it's a price to pay, we think it's reasonable and we think it's worth it.”

Having entered the Mexico City Grand Prix over one week ago looking to challenge for victory, Verstappen had to settle for third while race-winner Norris dominated at the head of the field.

Mekies insisted Red Bull was mystified over why it could not challenge after winning three of the previous four grands prix.

“We don't know, there is nothing that points towards that right now,” Mekies replied when asked if cooling was a factor behind its downturn in form.

“It remains a fact that we were less competitive. Understanding why is key to make sure we address that for Brazil and the next races.”