As the Miami Grand Prix approaches following an unplanned pause in the 2026 FIA Formula 1 calendar after both the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and Bahrain Grand Prix race weekends were canceled due to escalating international tensions in the Middle East, attention has turned to the future of four-time World Champion Max Verstappen after the Red Bull driver spent his time off in April exploring other forms of motorsport.
With an increase in the intensity of chatter surrounding Max Verstappen’s presumed likely exit from Formula 1 in the near future, Red Bull officials and team leadership have worked to quell further speculation of their top driver leaving the team. Now team principal Laurent Mekies has joined in on responding to inquiries about Verstappen’s future in F1.
Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies Responds to Questions About Max Verstappen’s Future in Formula 1
GettySUZUKA, JAPAN – MARCH 28: Pierre Wache, Technical Director of Oracle Red Bull Racing and Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing on the pit wall during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on March 28, 2026 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Red Bull F1 Racing team principal Laurent Mekies responded to media inquiries ahead of the 2026 Miami Grand Prix weekend. One questioned posed to the Red Bull chief was about the recent announcement of the intended 2028 exit of Gianpiero Lambiase, who is currently serving as Max Verstappen’s race engineer, for rival team McLaren. When asked if Lambiase’s resignation from Red Bull has anything to do with an imminent Verstappen retirement from F1 in the coming seasons, Mekies replied, “Absolutely not.”
Lambiase continued his response to the press inquiry, saying, “Obviously, we speak with Max every day. And Max knows motorsport upside-down. He’s living and breathing this team. The team has been extremely successful and you can’t promote everyone. And some people make some decisions. In the big scheme of things, Max also knows [this] very well, it represents such a tiny part, which we accept you guys [the press & media outlets] focus on, compared to the reality.”
Max Verstappen Currently Sits Ninth On 2026 F1 Leaderboard
GettySUZUKA, JAPAN – MARCH 28: Eleventh placed qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing walks in the Pitlane during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on March 28, 2026 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
Nearly midway through the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season, Max Verstappen is the highest ranked Red Bull F1 Racing driver at a current standing of ninth on the F1 leaderboard, which is the lowest the four-time World Champion has been ranked since before his initial titular win.
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