{
  "id": 16183917,
  "title": "Mekies hails Verstappen as Red Bull’s driving force amid revival",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/mekies-hails-verstappen-as-red-bulls-driving-force-amid-revival",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T12:12:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/10/23/mekies-hails-verstappen-as-red-bull-s-driving-force-amid-revival"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has hailed Max Verstappen as the driving force behind the team's resurgence. Speaking ahead of the upcoming US Grand Prix in Austin, Mekies praised Verstappen's directness, passion for motorsport, and technical sensitivity. Despite occasional disagreements, the four-time world champion remains central to Red Bull's ambitions. Mekies, who extended his contract with the team until 2031 last week, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and emphasized the team's high ambitions to open a new winning cycle. Since a late-season revival against McLaren, Red Bull has bounced back from a difficult start to the current season. Verstappen enters Austin after victories in Malaysia and Singapore, aiming to maintain his momentum and challenge for second place in the drivers' championship. Mekies highlighted the team's stubbornness in tough times and the significant potential still left to unlock, given it's their first season with their own engine.",
  "summary": "The Red Bull team principal said four-time world champion Max Verstappen remains the cornerstone of the team's ambitions.",
  "key_points": [
    "Max Verstappen hailed as Red Bull's driving force for resurgence",
    "Team principal Laurent Mekies praises Verstappen's directness and passion",
    "Red Bull aims to open a new winning cycle after late-season revival"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}