Mekies welcomes prospect of difficult Red Bull driver calls
Red Bull’s team principal says a future need to make difficult calls between Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar would be a sign of strength.
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Red Bull’s team principal says a future need to make difficult calls between Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar would be a sign of strength.
Red Bull is broadly open to a V8 return, but its team principal says the priority is flat-out racing as the details of future F1 engine rules remain under discussion.
Red Bull came close to its first win of 2026 in Azerbaijan. Verstappen believes it was the team’s best chance, but team boss Laurent Mekies hopes more will follow.
Max Verstappen rose from eighth to second in Azerbaijan, with Isack Hadjar third. Red Bull’s team principal pointed to power-unit management and car improvements.
Red Bull avoided a penalty in Baku, but an assessment of Verstappen’s removed engine will shape whether he needs one later this season.
Isack Hadjar finished third on his return from injury in Azerbaijan, but his response to a team radio call particularly impressed Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies.
Laurent Mekies says Red Bull would support agreed changes that let drivers push harder, while Audi’s Mattia Binotto wants to assess planned revisions first.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies is open to changes to the ADUO rules for engine development. The discussion concerns which manufacturers receive extra scope for development. Audi team principal Mattia Binotto warns that the system could also help a leading team, even though it is intended as a safety net.