Laurent Mekies Sets Clear Goals for Isack Hadjar's Continued Journey with Red Bull
Red Bull's Isack Hadjar has secured his seat alongside Max Verstappen for another season, with team boss Laurent Mekies emphasizing continued progress. Mekies outlined Hadjar's development as a key reason for his contract extension.
Isack Hadjar will remain Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull until at least the end of the 2027 season. This decision comes as no surprise to those who have followed his progress since joining the senior team in 2026. Red Bull's team principal, Laurent Mekies, has high expectations for Hadjar, urging him to maintain his current trajectory both on and off the track.
Hadjar, who transitioned to Red Bull from Racing Bulls following a successful rookie season, has managed to sidestep what many have labeled as the 'curse of the second Red Bull seat.' His performance alongside the four-time World Champion Verstappen has been commendable, and he is set to continue through another season.
The announcement of Hadjar's contract extension coincided with his return to the track at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, following a wrist injury that sidelined him for three races. During a press conference in Baku, Mekies described the decision to extend Hadjar's contract as straightforward, highlighting the driver's impressive adaptation and growth.
"It was really easy," Mekies stated. "We have seen a very strong first half of the year from him. His natural speed, quick integration with the team, and frequent presence at our Milton Keynes base have all been remarkable. Moreover, his performance has improved consistently at each race weekend, making the decision to extend his contract an easy one."
When pressed for details about the contract's duration, Mekies confirmed that it is indeed a long-term commitment. "Isack has been part of Red Bull's junior program for a long time, and we have activated our options to keep him on board through 2027," he explained.
Looking ahead to Hadjar's second season with Red Bull, Mekies emphasized the need for continued progress, particularly in matching Verstappen's pace. "We expect him to keep progressing," Mekies said. "His technical feedback, maturity, and speed have all been improving. If he continues on this path, he will naturally get closer to Max's performance. Both aspects are interlinked."
As Hadjar returns to the racing circuit post-injury, the focus will be on how well he can maintain his upward momentum. With the backing of Red Bull and the guidance of Mekies, the French driver seems poised to take the next step in his Formula 1 journey.