Red Bull made ‘a definite step forward’ in Miami – Mekies

Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies praised the team's significant progress at the Miami Grand Prix, noting that the performance gap to pole position has narrowed considerably compared to earlier rounds in Japan and China. While the team remains behind the leaders, the RB22 showed much-improved pace and consistency, signaling a successful development phase following the break. Max Verstappen demonstrated this potential by securing a front-row start, though a first-lap spin hampered his chances for a podium finish. Despite the setback, his recovery drive to fifth place highlighted the car's improved race pace. Meanwhile, rookie Isack Hadjar endured a challenging weekend, struggling with the car's straight-line performance and eventually retiring after a collision with the barriers. Mekies dismissed concerns regarding Hadjar's form, attributing the difficult weekend to team-related issues, including a setup mistake that compromised his grid position. Looking ahead, Red Bull remains focused on maximizing their package and building on this newfound confidence, acknowledging that while the recent upgrades have been effective, the development race against their rivals will continue to intensify.