Key Highlights
- Will Buxton believes Laurent Mekies has changed Red Bull’s historically pressurized team culture.
- Isack Hadjar returned from a wrist injury to finish third at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
- Hadjar was promoted from Racing Bulls to Red Bull for the 2026 season after Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda occupied the second seat in 2025.
Will Buxton credits Laurent Mekies with changing Red Bull’s second-seat culture
Formula 1 broadcaster Will Buxton believes Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has helped remove the pressure surrounding the team’s second seat. Buxton argued that Mekies has replaced the historically ruthless environment at the Milton Keynes-based outfit with a more supportive culture, creating conditions in which Isack Hadjar can perform at his best alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
Red Bull has struggled to establish a consistent team-mate for Verstappen in recent seasons. Sergio Perez, who now drives for Cadillac, held the seat before being replaced by Liam Lawson in 2025. The New Zealander lasted only two race weekends alongside Verstappen before returning to Racing Bulls.
Yuki Tsunoda then took over the Red Bull seat and remained with the team for the rest of the 2025 season. For 2026, Red Bull promoted Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls, and the Japanese driver has so far impressed in his new role.
Buxton highlights Mekies’ supportive management approach
Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Buxton said Mekies’ approach could be a key reason Hadjar has been able to thrive at Red Bull. He contrasted the current management style with the environment associated with former team principal Christian Horner, Dr Helmut Marko and the previous generation of Red Bull leadership.
“The fact that maybe the curse is being removed, not necessarily through what Isack’s doing, but through what Laurent is doing and his culture at the team,” the former F1 TV presenter said.
Buxton said the earlier philosophy was based on the belief that intense pressure could produce the strongest performances from drivers.
“Whereas, before under [Christian] Horner, under Dr Helmut Marko and the previous generation, it was very much the consideration that diamonds are forged under pressure.
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According to Buxton, Mekies’ willingness to give Hadjar time and support during a difficult period may have enabled the young driver to return with greater confidence.
“By removing that pressure and perhaps putting arms around and making it a happy and a safe space such that Isack could go away for nearly two months, recoup, come back with a new contract in his pocket rather than a rocket up his ass.
Buxton said the combination of Hadjar’s ability and Mekies’ team culture could explain why Red Bull’s long-running second-seat problems appear to have eased.
“Perhaps that is allowing Isack to then extract the maximum from himself. So perhaps all of these things coming together is what’s creating the feeling that this curse, if there ever was a curse, has been lifted.”
Isack Hadjar returns from injury with Azerbaijan podium
Hadjar’s progress came after a wrist injury during the summer break kept him out of action while he recovered. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marked his first race back, and he immediately delivered a podium finish by taking third place for Red Bull.
Why This Matters
Red Bull’s ability to keep a reliable driver alongside Max Verstappen has been a significant issue in recent seasons, with Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda occupying the seat before Hadjar’s promotion. Hadjar’s strong return at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, combined with the reported shift in the team’s internal environment, gives Red Bull a potential path toward greater stability in the second car.
Buxton’s comments also underline the importance of management culture in Formula 1. The situation remains focused on Hadjar’s performance and recovery, but his early results under Mekies provide a factual basis for assessing whether Red Bull’s approach to its second driver has changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Will Buxton credit with changing Red Bull’s second-seat environment?
Buxton credits Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies, saying his more supportive management style has helped Isack Hadjar perform at the team.
Who has occupied Red Bull’s second seat in recent seasons?
Sergio Perez was replaced by Liam Lawson in 2025. Lawson returned to Racing Bulls after two race weekends, and Yuki Tsunoda then held the seat for the remainder of that season. Isack Hadjar was promoted from Racing Bulls to Red Bull for 2026.
How did Isack Hadjar perform after returning from injury?
Hadjar returned from a wrist injury at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and finished third.
