Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies has revealed his Formula 1 squad still gets left “amazed” by the capabilities of its world champion driver Max Verstappen after the Dutch Grand Prix.
Verstappen has raced for Red Bull since 2016 and during that time, he has clinched the last four world titles and broken countless records.
Although he isn’t in contention for this year’s championship due to McLaren’s superiority, Verstappen has been the Woking outfit’s nearest challenger, which was seen at Zandvoort on Sunday.
The Dutchman started third behind a McLaren 1-2, but enjoyed a brilliant getaway and overtook Lando Norris for second with a daring move around the outside of Turn 2.
Norris eventually reclaimed second, but the Briton’s late retirement due to a mechanical issue meant Verstappen finished as runner-up to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.
Verstappen’s early overtake added to many moments in 2025 that left Red Bull in awe, such as his sprint win at Spa-Francorchamps, which included jumping Piastri on lap one.
“I tell you what, on the pit wall lap one, as much as we work with him every day, we were still amazed by what he managed to put up,” said Mekies, who replaced Christian Horner as Red Bull boss in July.
Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Bryn Lennon / Formula 1 / Getty Images
“So that’s how it was. It was like, ‘how did he do that? And how did he make the move? And how did he keep it on track?’.
“It’s a bit like in Spa when he got the McLaren on the sprint start. He knew he had one shot. He knew it was now. And he gave it all. And he still leaves us with no words when you see that. So, big well done.”
That happened at Verstappen’s home grand prix, an event he has won three times and is known for one of the best atmospheres on the F1 calendar.
Verstappen is adored by his home fans, who deck the grandstands in Dutch orange and although some might find that daunting, the Red Bull driver takes it all in his stride.
“Looking at Max, and the way he manages his own race, with all the attention, with all the pressure he has here, you can still see he’s very, very calm,” added Mekies.
“He has a very well-structured way to approach the weekend. From that perspective, it was not more hectic, neither, I hope, for him, nor for the team. We just got good energy from the fans.”
Photos from Dutch GP – Race
Dutch GP – Sunday, in photos
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