Laurent Mekies has reflected on Red Bull Racing’s performance at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, describing the weekend as “intense” and highlighting progress in the team’s pace. Max Verstappen secured a podium finish in third place, marking a positive step after a challenging start to the season under the new regulations.
At Monza, Verstappen briefly led the race and engaged in close battles with Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, who finished first and second respectively. Despite expectations that Red Bull would struggle on the circuit’s long straights against Mercedes-powered cars, the team managed to outperform Ferrari and McLaren on merit. Mekies acknowledged that while the weekend showed improvement, Red Bull still faces challenges in unlocking further performance and ultimate speed.
The race marked Verstappen’s fifth podium of the season and his third in the last four races, reflecting a gradual recovery in form. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson, substituting for the injured Isack Hadjar, started from the pit lane due to power unit penalties and setup changes. Lawson finished 14th after sustaining front wing damage following contact with Nico Hulkenberg. Mekies praised both Verstappen’s aggressive driving and Lawson’s pace despite the setbacks.
Red Bull’s performance at the Italian Grand Prix was notable given the strength of their rivals. Mercedes demonstrated strong pace, with Antonelli taking the win and Russell finishing second. Ferrari and McLaren were also competitive but fell short of Red Bull’s level on the day. Mekies described the weekend as a “step in the right direction” for the team, emphasizing that the improved pace was their best in several weeks.
Looking ahead, Red Bull is preparing for the next race at the new Madrid circuit. Mekies’ reflections underline the ongoing development challenges faced by the team as they seek to close the gap to Mercedes and enhance their competitiveness under the 2026 regulations. Verstappen’s recent string of podiums suggests progress, but Mekies’ comments make clear that further work remains.
This assessment provides a clear view of Red Bull’s current position in the championship, focusing on measured progress rather than dramatic shifts. The Italian Grand Prix weekend highlighted both the potential and the hurdles for Red Bull Racing as they continue to adapt to the evolving Formula 1® landscape.