Mekies shares what shocked him most about Verstappen

Red Bull's team principal reveals his biggest surprise after three months working with the four-time world champion, highlighting the Dutchman's intense work ethic and pivotal role in the team's recent resurgence

Max Verstappen's brilliance extends far beyond the cockpit.

Laurent Mekies has discovered a driver who transforms car development through relentless dedication.

The Red Bull team principal has worked alongside the reigning world champion for three months since replacing Christian Horner in July.

What he found surpassed even his lofty expectations formed during previous roles at Ferrari, the FIA and Racing Bulls.

Beyond on-track excellence

Verstappen's performances on circuit have defined modern Formula 1.

But Mekies believes the Dutchman's greatest strength might actually lie in his off-track contributions.

"Everybody knows what he does in the car and how extraordinary that is, and how close he is able to be to the limit, lap after lap, race after race, year after year,"

Mekies told the Securing the Win podcast.

"We know he sets a benchmark there."

The revelation came next. Mekies described discovering Verstappen's behind-the-scenes work as his biggest surprise since joining Red Bull Racing.

"I think the biggest surprise has been to discover him outside of the car, and he is as extraordinary, if not more extraordinary, out of the car that is in the car,"

he explained.

Living and breathing racing

Verstappen's commitment transcends typical professional dedication. The Dutch driver maintains an intensity level that sets him apart from his peers across the paddock.

"The level of commitment, his deep understanding of the complexity of the team trying to give him the fastest possible car and how to drive that team towards the right solution for the car is incredible," Mekies said.

"He lives for racing."

The team principal painted a vivid picture of Verstappen's routine. Contact him at any hour and he will likely be found on the simulator preparing for upcoming sessions.

"You call him at any time, he will be on this simulator training,"

Mekies revealed.

"And if he's not in the simulator, he's racing with another car somewhere in Europe. That tells you how intense the person is."

Central to team development

Verstappen has played a crucial role in Red Bull's recent turnaround.

The Milton Keynes squad has won three of the last four races after adjusting its approach based on driver feedback.

Red Bull changed its setup philosophy to align more closely with what Verstappen and his teammate report from the cockpit.

The team also introduced a revised floor design and front wing that have improved overall performance.

Mekies suggests Verstappen's ability to communicate technical feedback represents a unique competitive advantage.

The champion possesses an intuitive understanding of how to extract maximum performance from those around him.

"[He has] that natural understanding of the huge number of people around you trying to drive car performance, that you will need to choose the right words with each of them to help them be at their optimum,"

the team principal explained.

Embedded in the organization

The relationship between driver and team extends far deeper than most appreciate.

Mekies emphasized that Verstappen functions as an integral part of Red Bull rather than a separate entity.

"Sometimes I think it's very easy to underestimate how central Max is to the team,"

he said.

"It's not the team... and Max. He is completely embedded in the team."

Verstappen actively drives car development decisions for both the current and upcoming seasons.

His technical input shapes design directions and performance priorities across the engineering department.

"He's driving the car development, he is driving what we are doing for next year,"

Mekies noted.

"That's how tight so relationship is. And I think it's a huge, huge asset for us."

The insights from Mekies underscore why Verstappen has emerged as a title contender once again despite Red Bull's mid-season struggles.

His combination of extraordinary talent, tireless work ethic and technical acumen creates a competitive package few can match.

As the championship battle intensifies through the remaining races, Verstappen's ability to maximize every aspect of team performance could prove decisive.

His integration within Red Bull's operations provides advantages that extend far beyond raw speed on race day.