'He fully deserves it' – Verstappen backs Mekies contract extension but wary of Red Bull's winning form continuing in Austin

Max Verstappen has backed Laurent Mekies' contract extension with Red Bull, but has cautioned those who expect the Dutchman to continue his winning form at this weekend's United States Grand Prix.

It was announced earlier this month that Mekies will remain as Red Bull's CEO and Team Principal until 2031, having joined from Racing Bulls in 2025.

After a slow start under the new-for-2026 regulations, which included building their own engines alongside Ford, Red Bull have shown signs of progress under Mekies' leadership, prompting the new deal.

"It's been great news I think for everyone," said Verstappen during Thursday's media day in Austin on Mekies' contract extension.

"He fully deserves it as well, he's a very hard worker and I think at times this year of course it has not been easy for him as well, but he's a good leader and I think also the atmosphere in the team is great, so it's only right to extend the contract."

Verstappen has claimed dominant victories in the previous two Grands Prix as Red Bull have become the in-form team during the 2026 campaign.

Despite the winning combination, Verstappen is cautious whether he will be able to secure a hat-trick of victories this weekend at COTA, with the venue different to those in Malaysia and Singapore.

"We had two really good weekends, which of course we're very happy with but that is no guarantee that the coming races are going to be like that as well," said Verstappen.

"We had two very hot and humid races and it seemed like also our engine was performing well in these kinds of conditions and now we go of course to a very dry race.

"There are a lot of factors that are a bit different but we'll see. We'll just take it step by step, we don't dream too much, we just stay in the current [frame of mind] and we also know that we want to improve a lot on the car that we can't fix or change for this year, but hopefully for next year."