Max Verstappen endured a disastrous weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver was unable to contend for a podium finish at the Shanghai International Circuit and failed to score any points in the race. The disappointing result prompted an immediate post-race analysis, with key Red Bull personnel joining Verstappen on the flight home.
Verstappen entered the Shanghai race hoping to challenge for a top position, building on encouraging signs from the previous week’s Australian Grand Prix. Still, the Chinese Grand Prix made it clear that Red Bull is not yet competitive with the leading teams. Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren proved to be faster, even as Red Bull struggled with multiple issues throughout the weekend. Verstappen failed to register a point in the Sprint race and ultimately retired from the Grand Prix on Sunday.
Who flew with Verstappen?
Visibly frustrated after the race, Verstappen engaged in discussions with Red Bull leadership on the return flight. Footage shows team principal Laurent Mekies, technical director Pierre Waché, and race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase traveling with Verstappen and his manager Raymond Vermeulen back to Europe.
While appearing relaxed in the footage, the group likely used the flight to dissect the team’s disappointing performance. The next opportunity to rebound comes in just under two weeks, at the Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit.
How did the return flight unfold?
The flight from Shanghai to Nice lasted long enough for a detailed conversation. The journey avoided the Middle East, with a refueling stop in Sofia, Bulgaria, before continuing to Nice, France – located near Verstappen’s home in Monaco. Waché, Mekies, and Lambiase are expected to have continued their journey from Nice to the United Kingdom, where Red Bull’s headquarters are located in Milton Keynes.
Quick return to the Nürburgring
Verstappen can quickly turn his attention to another racing challenge. He is scheduled to compete in the NLS2 race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife this weekend with his own racing team. This will be his first race with the latest Mercedes GT3 car, serving as preparation for his entry in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
max leaving china with mekies, wache, raymond vermeulen and GP pic.twitter.com/2H6HkyvOQB
— nini (@SCUDERIAFEMBOY) March 15, 2026
