P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Laurent Mekies faces a huge challenge at Red Bull that he must quickly solve – the future of Max Verstappen.
Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer has cautioned new Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies to promptly address securing Max Verstappen. The four-time F1 champion has been strongly linked to a potential move to Mercedes, following discussions with Toto Wolff and Raymond Vermuelen. While Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, there are clauses that could enable his departure this summer. A vast majority of Red Bull’s points this season have been accumulated by Verstappen, showcasing his crucial role in the team’s performance. It is imperative for Mekies to tackle the challenge of securing the 27-year-old’s future, a task that Palmer emphasizes must be prioritized. Palmer highlighted the significance of the driver line-up, particularly Max Verstappen’s contractual situation, as one of the pressing issues awaiting Mekies at Red Bull.
