MUST MEK MAX STAY

New Red Bull boss admits No.1 task is to stop champ quitting

- BY DANIEL MOXON

NEW Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies has admitted his highest priority is making sure Max Verstappen stays.

The Frenchman is only the second team principal in Red Bull's entire Formula One history after replacing the ousted Christian Horner, who spent 20 years in charge.

And he inherits the role at a time when star driver Verstappen is considering quitting for rivals Mercedes.

The Dutchman's streak of title successes is all-but certain to end this year and he wants to be in the quickest car he can find in 2026.

Mekies knows his single most important job in the short term is to make sure the four-time F1 champion doesn't think the grass will be greener elsewhere.