After a performance below expectations at the Chinese GP, Red Bull faced a weekend marked by internal tension. Team principal Laurent Mekies, who had canceled press interviews, traveled on Max Verstappen’s private jet accompanied by strategic team figures, such as technical director Pierre Waché, race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase and the driver’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen. The content of the discussions during the flight remains unknown.
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While the team tried to reorganize its operations, Verstappen once again criticized the new Formula 1 regulations. The Dutchman stated that “it’s no fun at all, it’s like playing Mario Kart” and that “this isn’t racing,” showing frustration with the changes implemented in recent years.
Ralf Schumacher reacted to the four-time champion’s comments, highlighting the need for priority for the team: “Max has already proven he is the fastest driver. Now he needs to help his team, which is facing problems, and stop complaining. The fact that he simply wants to race in a different category… he can even do that, but he doesn’t need to.”
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The former driver also contextualized the new rules: “These new rules were decided four years ago. At that time, everyone just wanted electric cars, we can’t forget that. Many teams invested an absurd amount of money in this,” he stated.
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