Red Bull Racing is changing its traditional approach focused solely on Max Verstappen, as Isack Hadjar moves closer to a new contract for 2027. The shift in stance is happening under the leadership of Laurent Mekies, at least that is what has been apparent in recent weeks.
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Mekies has softened the team’s policy regarding the second car, no longer prioritizing a single driver. Hadjar, who joined Red Bull this season, has been gaining ground after a consistent start, including a streak of seven consecutive results in the top six before the August break.
After the Hungarian Grand Prix, Mekies had already given signs that the Frenchman’s future was well underway: “We haven’t discussed the future yet, but everyone can see that Isack is doing an excellent job. So, we will make a logical decision,” said the team principal.
Before the break, Mekies also highlighted the driver’s progress and the positive impact of having two cars closer together: “It’s good news to have a strong second driver for the first time in a long time. Isack is performing consistently and has learned a lot from the team and Max. It’s also good news for Max that our two cars are a bit closer,” he said.
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While Hadjar is nearing a stay alongside Verstappen next year, Liam Lawson’s situation remains undefined. Nikola Tsolov, leader of the F2 championship, appears as one of the main options to reach F1 in 2027, although Racing Bulls is inclined to keep Lawson and Arvid Lindblad.
The decision about Hadjar’s physical condition for Monza will still be made on Wednesday (02), with Lawson involved in the preparation, in case a new replacement is necessary. Regardless of who drives the second RB22 at the Italian GP, the scenario indicates that Mekies has come to see Hadjar as Verstappen’s long-term partner, and it seems he seeks to adapt Red Bull’s culture to this formation.
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