Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal Laurent Mekies addressed how the team strives to safeguard its drivers and personnel from the mental pressures of their roles, particularly after reassignments to the allied squad.
The Milton Keynes-based organization has long grappled with finding a permanent driver for its secondary seat alongside the four-time champion, Max Verstappen. Liam Lawson took over from Sergio Perez for the 2025 season but was moved to Racing Bulls after only two Grand Prix weekends, with Yuki Tsunoda assuming his spot at Red Bull before the Japanese Grand Prix.
Currently, Tsunoda has transitioned to a reserve capacity for the 2026 season, as Isack Hadjar has claimed the coveted spot alongside Verstappen.
Mekies was in charge of Racing Bulls when Lawson’s reassignment occurred, giving him direct insight into the psychological impact of the change.
“Indeed, we are acutely aware that the mental effect is enormous,” he elaborated at the Autosport Business Exchange London.
“Yet this isn’t solely true for situations involving a second car; it applies to all top-tier athletes. That ultimate margin of performance is intrinsically connected to one’s emotional state, the support one receives, and one’s mental clarity.
Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team, Laurent Mekies, Alpine
Photo by: Mark Thompson – Getty Images
“Therefore, we are diligently working to provide our drivers with the most conducive environment possible to allow their talents to flourish. This is the very same principle we apply to all our employees.
“In the same manner that you must foster conditions for drivers to express themselves and perform at speed, you must also create an environment for your engineers, mechanics, and other staff to maximize their potential and capabilities. Thus, the underlying philosophy remains consistent.”
After concluding his debut Formula 1 season with Racing Bulls, Hadjar secured a full-time position at Red Bull. While the historical challenges of this seat could be daunting, he benefits from joining as the championship’s regulations are set to change, which should lead to a more level playing field.
