Red Bull's performance at Spa-Francorchamps saw Max Verstappen secure a podium, while Isack Hadjar impressively climbed to sixth from the back of the grid. Team boss Laurent Mekies highlighted the car's growing strength and the team's strategic acumen.
Red Bull had plenty to smile about at the Belgian Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen clinching third place and Isack Hadjar making a remarkable leap from the back of the grid to finish sixth. Team Principal Laurent Mekies was quick to commend the team's efforts, describing the results as "very strong."
After a few challenging races in Austria and Britain, where Verstappen's unconventional crashes led to the team ditching their rotating 'macarena' rear wing, Red Bull arrived at Spa with a point to prove. Verstappen, benefiting from a well-timed tow by Hadjar during qualifying, started second on the grid. However, a pit stop just before a Virtual Safety Car shuffled him behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, leaving him to settle for third.
Mekies reflected on the missed opportunity to surpass Leclerc, acknowledging the VSC's impact. "Unlucky with the VSC," he noted, "but that's racing." Still, he lauded the effort from everyone back in Milton Keynes for strengthening the car, asserting their readiness to compete for podiums across different circuits.
The race win remained elusive, with Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli maintaining a clear edge. However, Mekies assured that the team is working diligently to close that gap.
Isack Hadjar also earned high praise for his climb through the field, thanks to a bold three-stop strategy. Mekies highlighted the team's strategic prowess and Hadjar's impressive pace, keeping him in contention with the top competitors and managing to fend off McLaren's Lando Norris.
Mekies concluded by emphasizing Hadjar's progress, noting that the young driver's performance at Spa was his best yet with Red Bull. "Every time he goes out in that car, he is making a step forward," Mekies said, pleased with the strength both drivers bring to the team.