Red Bull Vows Title Fight Despite Team Shakeup

Despite major changes at Red Bull, the team is vowing to keep fighting for the Formula 1 title. With **Christian Horner** out and **Laurent Mekies** in as team principal, Red Bull aims to defy pessimism and chase every point possible.

Marko’s Resolve

Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, insists they won’t concede the championship as long as a mathematical chance remains for **Max Verstappen**. Despite **Verstappen** being 69 points behind the leader, **Marko** declared, “As for the current sporting situation: there are still twelve races to go, and we will continue to fight for the drivers’ championship as long as it’s mathematically possible.”

This statement marks a firm stance following **Horner’s** departure and the appointment of **Mekies**. It contradicts earlier hints that Red Bull might shift its focus to the 2026 season, with Marko having suggested writing off the current title if performance didn’t improve.

Verstappen’s Commitment in Question

Amidst the team’s restructuring, **Max Verstappen’s** future with Red Bull remains uncertain. Despite **Horner’s** claim that **Verstappen’s** “intention is that he will be there,” the defending champion has avoided making firm commitments beyond 2025.

Should **Verstappen** decide to leave, Mercedes is a likely destination. Losing their star driver could significantly impede Red Bull’s development work for the next season. According to Forbes, driver changes can impact a team’s performance by up to 20% in the subsequent season (Forbes).

The Second Driver Seat

The performance gap within Red Bull is stark. **Verstappen** has secured 165 out of the team’s total 172 points this season, overshadowing his teammate’s struggles. The last podium finish for a Red Bull driver other than **Verstappen** was in April 2024, and the last win, in April 2023.

**Horner** had stated that **Yuki Tsunoda** would have the remainder of the season to prove his worth. **Mekies** now faces the critical decision of who will partner **Verstappen** in 2026.

Potential candidates include **Isack Hadjar**, a promising rookie from Racing Bulls. However, **Mekies** previously oversaw **Liam Lawson’s** promotion and subsequent demotion at Racing Bulls, a move that reportedly impacted Lawson’s confidence.

Navigating Red Bull’s Politics

Success at Red Bull requires adept navigation of internal dynamics. **Mekies**, in his former role, worked alongside the influential 82-year-old **Marko**, whose authority remains loosely defined. The presence of **Jos Verstappen**, **Max’s** father, also adds to the complex environment, given his past public criticisms of **Horner**.

Eyes on 2026

Major regulatory changes in 2026 present both challenges and opportunities. Red Bull previously excelled during the 2022 regulation overhaul with **Adrian Newey’s** designs. With **Newey’s** departure to Aston Martin, rivals are eager to capitalize.

**Mekies** must quickly assess Red Bull’s strategy for 2026, including its engine production program with Ford, which is scheduled to rejoin F1 as Red Bull’s partner next year. The focus remains on extracting maximum performance and securing future success amid significant change.