Isack Hadjar has welcomed Laurent Mekies’ shock promotion to team principal of Red Bull Racing, calling it a potentially “useful” development for his own Formula 1 ambitions as he continues his impressive rookie campaign with Racing Bulls.
Mekies, who previously led the Faenza-based outfit, will make his debut at the helm of Red Bull Racing this weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix following the abrupt dismissal of long-time team boss Christian Horner.
While the F1 paddock was stunned by the move, Hadjar – who worked under Mekies throughout the first half of his debut season – sees opportunity in the upheaval.
A Familiar Ally at Red Bull
“I can’t hide it’s useful. That’s for sure,” Hadjar admitted when asked about Mekies’ appointment.
The 20-year-old French driver is among the Red Bull junior programme’s top prospects and has already been linked with a possible step up to the senior team in 2026.
Mekies’ promotion could pave the way for a more familiar and favorable environment should Hadjar eventually make that leap.
“If I had to work with him, it would be easier, that’s for sure. We sound more familiar, so yeah, I would say so,” Hadjar said.
“To me, it’s always useful to work with someone who has an engineering background. As a driver, it’s always more helpful. We were really close together, and he’s still around.”
Rookie Rise: Better Than Expected in a Tight Midfield
Hadjar has exceeded expectations in a competitive midfield battle this season, impressing the F1 paddock with his pace and racecraft.
“It’s been a very up-and-down first 12 races. That’s expected when you’re fighting in the midfield,” he reflected. There’s a very fine margin between getting in the top 10 and being way outside of it.
“I’m just on the learning phase so far. It’s been a bit better than I anticipated, that’s for sure, performance-wise, and speed-wise. So it’s great.”
Still, Hadjar is under no illusions about the demands of staying relevant in F1.
“Twelve more races, so yeah, I need to keep pushing. You’re as good as your last race, all the time,” he said.
Staying Grounded Amid the Headlines
Horner’s dismissal, announced just days after the British Grand Prix, sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock. Hadjar revealed he was at Red Bull’s factory when the news broke and found out about the leadership change while in the simulator.
But despite the upheaval, the young gun remains unfazed.
“I was at the factory on the sim. So I was there,” he said. “Yeah, I mean [the sacking was] major, but to be fair it doesn’t really change much for me.
“Honestly, we had a chat this morning. I’m not saying this to lie, but it doesn’t change anything to our weekend.”
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With Mekies gone at Racing Bulls, Hadjar is now working more closely with F1 veteran Alan Permane – someone with whom he already shared a strong working relationship.
“Alan is someone I know really well. Obviously, he was always quiet. Maybe you don’t see him often, but he’s a big part of the team so far,” Hadjar said.
“I think he’s the one, next to my race engineer, the one I’ve worked with the most. It’s the guy who takes the final decision on car setup.
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“He’s been very close to Laurent. Laurent has built something very solid over the last two years, and now he’s just taking it. It doesn’t change anything to the team and to my approach.”
Still, Hadjar admitted Mekies’ departure had an emotional impact on the team.
“I think Laurent was really appreciated in the team,” he said. “A bit of sadness, obviously. But we are not as concerned; it is just a bit sad that he’s leaving, but that’s how it is.”
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