Mekies on why Red Bull are ‘convinced’ by Hadjar's potential

Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has shed light on the decision to pair Isack Hadjar with Max Verstappen for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Mekies expressed immense confidence in Hadjar's "mega" potential and "maximum intensity" training approach, hoping he can succeed where previous teammates struggled to match Verstappen's pace. Acknowledging the challenge of the second Red Bull seat, Mekies highlighted Hadjar's "incredible raw speed" and significant progress demonstrated at Racing Bulls, including a podium finish and regular Q3 appearances. With major regulation changes in 2026, Red Bull believes Hadjar's dedicated preparation and humble demeanor will enable him to adapt swiftly and express his talent fully.