Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has dismissed speculation about Max Verstappen's waning motivation for the 2026 Formula 1 cars, following the driver's renewed criticism after the Australian Grand Prix. This comes after Verstappen's earlier pre-season testing jabs labeling the regs 'Formula E on steroids.' Mercedes' Toto Wolff also signaled openness to tweaks for better racing.
Building on concerns raised during Bahrain pre-season testing, the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park exposed handling issues with F1's 2026 technical regulations. These feature hybrid power units with a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, plus active aerodynamics, demanding careful energy management like lift-and-coast for battery regen.
Four-time champion Max Verstappen started 20th and finished sixth, feeling 'completely empty' when pushing in qualifying. He urged FIA changes, echoing his testing critique that the cars mimic 'Formula E on steroids' and spark exit rumors ahead of his 2028 Red Bull contract end.
Mekies reaffirmed Verstappen's focus: 'When he's with us... no difference compared to last year in how hard he's pushing on every detail.' He noted Verstappen compartmentalizes personal views in debriefs.
Frustrations echoed across the grid: Lando Norris deemed the race 'chaos' with 50 kph speed deltas posing safety risks, shifting from 'best cars ever' to 'worst'; Esteban Ocon called it 'artificial.' Mercedes took a one-two with George Russell leading Kimi Antonelli, but Toto Wolff stressed spectacle: 'We need... something exciting for fans,' open to adjustments based on feedback.
Mekies advocated patience: observe tracks like upcoming China before changes. 'If improvements needed, we'll find a way,' he said.
