Red Bull’s 2027 Formula 1 driver line-up has continued to make headlines all season. However, Laurent Mekies suggests a ‘logical’ decision could be in the works.
As Formula 1 heads into its prolonged summer break, nine teams enter with unconfirmed 2027 driver line-ups. Red Bull has seemingly been at the centre of this, with rumours circulating surrounding Max Verstappen’s contract for 2027 and beyond.
Despite the uncertainty of Verstappen’s future, Red Bull Team Principal Mekies has suggested they will retain Isack Hadjar for 2027.
The Frenchman stepped into the senior team early last season and has shown continuous pace and promise. Whilst competing competitively against his rivals at the front of the field, Hadjar has scored points in every race, bar one, that he has finished this season.
These consistent results leave him sat eighth in the Drivers’ Standings, 24 points behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, in speaking to De Telegraaf, Mekies was full of praise for last season’s Racing Bulls promotee.
“It is good news that we have a strong second driver for the first time in quite a long time,” he said.
“That was also one of our goals prior to this season. Isack is performing solidly and has learned a lot from the team and from Max.”
Importantly for Red Bull, Hadjar’s results this season have marked a welcome change to the team. In previous seasons, Verstappen’s team-mates have struggled to score points and match his pace as the season progresses. However, Hadjar has seemingly broken the “curse,” which Mekies praised.
“It is good news, also for Max, that our two cars are a bit closer together,” he added.
These impressive performances have raised speculation that Hadjar will remain a part of the Red Bull family for future seasons. Whilst Mekies didn’t confirm these rumours, he explained the team recognise Hadjar’s talent and will make an appropriate decision.
“We haven’t discussed the future yet, but everyone can see that Isack is doing an excellent job. So we will make a logical decision.”
READ MORE – Red Bull confirms key F1 signing to succeed Helmut Marko
Discussion about this post