Verstappen: I like the approach Mekies is having

Red Bull emerged from a pre-summer break revolution with the ousting of long-time team principal Christian Horner, replaced by Mekies in late July at the Belgian Grand Prix. Reputable reports suggest that 'Team Verstappen' came with an ultimatum: Horner out or we go to Mercedes...

Speaking to reporters at his home race press conference, Verstappen said of Mekies, the man in charge of the shambles left behind by Horner: “I like the approach he’s having. Everyone is very positive about the mood in the team. It’s not like things can drastically change in two months – it takes time.

“Just try to make the best of it. Every single race we can try to see if there are opportunities and try to learn more about the car. Of course, next year will be very different, but I'm still very curious to understand the current car more and where we can find a bit more performance to make it easier for ourselves.”

Verstappen admitted Hungary was difficult, but hopes for better at Zandvoort, which will be a sea of Orange in his honour: “That was not a great weekend for us, so I hope that we can be closer. I don't think this is going to be our best track, but there might be some weather. That always creates a bit of chaos.

“Naturally, the higher-speed corners should be a bit better for us. Low and medium speed is probably more difficult,” and added of the Orange Army invading the seaside resort town: “It definitely brings a smile on my face, when I’m driving or even driving out of the pit box. Seeing that amount of orange is always very special. For sure, it's not only about the driving, it’s quite a party.”

On Zandvoort potentially dropping from the calendar, Verstappen was blunt: “As long as we don’t add another street circuit, then I’m happy. Of course, it’s a shame, but I’m already proud I’ve had a home Grand Prix.”

On motivation without a title battle in his sites in the final teb races: “It’s not that hard. It doesn’t make sense for me to be frustrated. We just need to look at the car and operation and move forward."

P3 in the 2025 F1 Drivers' standings, but way off the scores of the McLaren duo at the top of the table, asked if he had any goals left in this championship campaign, Verstappen replied: “No. Not really.”