EXCLUSIVE: Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies drops BOMBSHELL on Max Verstappen – ‘If he wants to leave… we’ll replace him with someone more deserving’ – as Dutch star skips crucial Pirelli tyre test at Suzuka, paving way for Yuki Tsunoda and sparking fears of full-scale civil war at Milton Keynes
By Daily Mail F1 Correspondent
The cracks at Red Bull Racing have finally burst wide open.
In a stunning escalation of tensions following Max Verstappen’s nightmare Japanese Grand Prix, the team’s new team principal Laurent Mekies has launched an extraordinary public broadside at the four-time world champion, openly suggesting the Dutchman could be replaced if he chooses to walk away.
Verstappen’s shock absence from a key post-race Pirelli tyre test at Suzuka – where the team remained to evaluate 2026 compounds – has only poured fuel on the fire, with Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda stepping into the RB22 for valuable running.
“If he wants to leave… we’ll replace him with someone more deserving,” Mekies told selected media in a blunt interview that has left the entire paddock reeling.
The Frenchman’s words, delivered with icy calm just 48 hours after the Suzuka race, mark the most direct challenge yet to Verstappen’s authority within the team he has dominated for years.
THE TEST SNUB THAT LIT THE FUSE
After a dismal eighth-place finish at Suzuka – plagued by poor tyre management and a car that simply couldn’t compete with McLaren’s frontrunners – Verstappen reportedly packed his bags and flew home immediately rather than staying for the two-day Pirelli test.
The decision stunned insiders. Pirelli tyre tests are vital for development, especially in this tricky transitional 2026 season where the new regulations have left Red Bull struggling to find grip and balance.
Instead of Verstappen or even team-mate Liam Lawson taking the wheel, Red Bull turned to Tsunoda – the former Racing Bulls driver now serving as reserve – who completed a significant number of laps in wet and dry conditions.
Sources close to the team claim Verstappen cited “personal reasons” for his early departure, but few are buying it. The timing, coming hot on the heels of his frustrated radio messages and post-race comments about not enjoying the new era of F1, has been interpreted as a deliberate statement.
MEKIES’ BOLD WARNING: NO ONE IS INDISPENSABLE
Laurent Mekies, who took over as CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing in mid-2025 following the dramatic exit of Christian Horner, has wasted no time stamping his authority on the squad.
In his most revealing interview yet, the 47-year-old Frenchman made it crystal clear that the team’s future will not revolve around one driver – no matter how decorated.
“Max is an incredible talent and has achieved extraordinary things with us,” Mekies said. “But Formula 1 moves forward. If he wants to leave, we will respect that decision and replace him with someone more deserving of the seat and the opportunity.”
The phrase “more deserving” has sent ripples of shock through the paddock. Many interpret it as a thinly veiled swipe at Verstappen’s recent attitude and perceived lack of commitment amid the car’s struggles.
Mekies went further, praising Tsunoda’s professionalism and work ethic during the test, hinting that the Japanese driver’s hunger could serve as a template for the team’s new direction.
YUKI TSUNODA: THE QUIET CONTENDER READY TO STEP UP?
Tsunoda’s involvement in the Pirelli session is no coincidence. After losing his full-time race seat at the end of 2025, the 25-year-old has been working tirelessly in the simulator and as reserve, determined to prove he still belongs at the highest level.
Insiders say Tsunoda delivered “impressive” data during the wet running at Suzuka, providing valuable feedback on the new tyre compounds that Red Bull desperately needs as they battle to claw back from early-season deficits.
One Red Bull engineer told Mail Sport on condition of anonymity: “Yuki was focused, positive and gave us exactly what we needed. He’s always been loyal to the Red Bull family. In times like these, that matters.”
With Verstappen’s contract believed to include performance-related clauses that could allow an exit as early as this summer if results don’t improve, the door appears to be opening for fresh blood – whether that’s Tsunoda, Isack Hadjar or even a surprise external signing.
THE CHAIN OF EVENTS FUELLING SHAKE-UP SPECULATION
This is far from an isolated incident. The past few weeks have seen a series of unusual developments at Red Bull that many now see as the beginning of a major internal overhaul.
Verstappen’s public hints about his future, combined with reported friction over car development priorities, have created a toxic atmosphere in the garage. Senior figures are said to be divided between those still loyal to the Verstappen era and those pushing for a reset under Mekies’ leadership.
The decision to sideline Verstappen from the test – whether his choice or the team’s – has been viewed by some as the first open act of defiance in what could become a full-scale power struggle.
Helmut Marko, the veteran advisor who has long been Verstappen’s biggest supporter, was noticeably absent from post-race duties and has remained silent on Mekies’ comments – a rarity that speaks volumes.
Meanwhile, whispers suggest that Red Bull’s engine partner and senior management in Austria are fully behind Mekies’ tougher stance, tired of the constant drama surrounding their star driver.
PADDOCK REACTIONS: DISBELIEF AND DELIGHT IN EQUAL MEASURE
The reaction has been swift and brutal.
Rival team bosses have been spotted exchanging knowing glances in the Suzuka paddock, with one telling Mail Sport: “Red Bull without Max? It would be seismic. But if they’re willing to say this publicly, they must have a plan.”
Lando Norris, currently leading the championship, couldn’t hide a smirk when asked about the developments: “Max is Max. But every team has to evolve. Interesting times.”
McLaren boss Zak Brown was more direct: “Laurent is a smart operator. He’s clearly drawing a line in the sand.”
On social media, Red Bull fans are split. Some accuse Mekies of betrayal, launching #WeStandWithMax campaigns, while others welcome the prospect of a less drama-filled team built around collective strength rather than one superstar.
Tsunoda himself has stayed diplomatically quiet but posted a subtle Instagram story showing him in the Red Bull garage with the caption “Always ready” – a message not lost on observers.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR VERSTAPPEN’S FUTURE – AND RED BULL’S
At 28, Verstappen remains one of the most talented drivers on the grid, but the 2026 regulations have exposed vulnerabilities in both car and driver mindset. With McLaren dominating early races and Ferrari close behind, the pressure is mounting.
If Mekies’ comments are the opening salvo in a campaign to rebuild Red Bull in a new image, Verstappen faces a stark choice: recommit fully or activate any available exit options and seek a new challenge – perhaps at Mercedes or even a shock move elsewhere.
For the team, losing their talisman would be a huge risk, but continuing with a disgruntled superstar could prove even more damaging in the long run.
Insiders believe the next few races will be critical. If performance doesn’t improve dramatically, Mekies may accelerate plans for a post-Verstappen era, with Tsunoda or another young gun positioned as the new face of the team.
THE END OF AN ERA?
For years, Red Bull has been synonymous with Max Verstappen’s relentless winning machine. That aura is fading fast under the new rules and new leadership.
Laurent Mekies’ pointed remarks and the unusual events surrounding the Pirelli test suggest the Milton Keynes outfit is preparing for life after their Dutch superstar – whether by choice or necessity.
As the paddock heads to the next race, one question dominates conversations from the media centre to the motorhomes: is this just a warning shot across the bows, or the first unmistakable sign of a complete Red Bull revolution?
Whatever the answer, the once-unshakeable Red Bull empire is trembling – and the aftershocks could reshape Formula 1 for years to come.
Mail Sport will bring you every explosive development in this rapidly unfolding saga.
