Daily News 19

Tag: Laurent Mekies

  • ‘Nothing wrong with Isack’s recovery’

    ‘Nothing wrong with Isack’s recovery’

    Key Highlights

    • Isack Hadjar has missed three consecutive Formula 1 races — Zandvoort, Monza, and Madrid — due to a wrist injury sustained during the summer break training period.
    • Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies confirms Hadjar’s recovery is proceeding normally with no setbacks; a return decision will follow a simulator evaluation in approximately one week.
    • Liam Lawson has substituted for Hadjar at Red Bull Racing, scoring points in two of three starts, while Yuki Tsunoda has filled Lawson’s vacancy at Racing Bulls.

    Hadjar’s Injury and Absence

    French rookie Isack Hadjar has been sidelined since the summer break concluded, missing the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, and the Madrid round while recovering from a wrist injury sustained during training in the three-week hiatus. The 20-year-old had made an impressive start to his Red Bull Racing tenure, registering eight top-10 finishes — including a podium in Monaco — and out-qualifying four-time world champion Max Verstappen on three occasions. His absence has cost him not only championship points but also crucial mileage in the RB22 as the team continues to understand the new generation of machinery. Although Hadjar has attended races to analyze data, Red Bull acknowledges that track time remains irreplaceable for correlating upgrades with on-track feel.

    Mekies Provides Recovery Update

    Speaking after the Spanish Grand Prix, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies offered a measured assessment of Hadjar’s condition, emphasizing that the recovery timeline aligns with medical expectations for the injury type.

    “Isack is good… There is nothing wrong with Isack’s recovery. I think we have learned that it’s fundamentally normal time for the sort of injuries he has,”

    Mekies stated. He outlined the process for the coming days:

    “So, we will continue with the same approach than what we had, we will evaluate the situations in a weeks’ time, we have a full week, with more than a full week to evaluate the situation to see how he feels.”

    The next step involves a simulator session to test Hadjar under realistic loads:

    “And then to put him on the simulator, to expose him to real-life constraints… If he feels close to 100%, we go for it. If he feels the recovery is not completed, we will stick [with] our approach to put his recovery first.”

    Mekies underscored the long-term perspective:

    “What we don’t want to do is by having an early return, compromise his long-term capacity to come back to 100%.”

    Impact on Championship and Team Dynamics

    In Hadjar’s absence, the driver lineup has shifted significantly. Liam Lawson has stepped up to the senior Red Bull Racing seat, delivering points finishes in two of his three outings, while Yuki Tsunoda has moved from Racing Bulls to replace Lawson. Verstappen, meanwhile, has secured two podiums during this stretch, demonstrating the RB22’s underlying potential. The situation creates a complex decision matrix for Red Bull ahead of the upcoming triple-header: whether to reinstate Hadjar if he clears the simulator test, or to retain Lawson for continuity. The team has indicated it is comfortable delaying the final call until the last possible moment.

    Historical Context: Wrist Injuries in Formula 1

    Recent precedents offer varied recovery timelines. Lance Stroll suffered a bicycle accident before the 2023 season, fracturing his wrist and toe; he missed pre-season testing but competed in the opening round in Bahrain, scoring points despite the injuries. Daniel Ricciardo’s 2023 hand fracture — sustained in a practice crash at Zandvoort — required a longer absence of five Grands Prix, with Lawson serving as his replacement at that time. Hadjar’s current three-race absence falls between these two benchmarks, and Red Bull’s cautious stance reflects lessons learned from both cases.

    Why This Matters

    Hadjar’s injury interrupts a breakthrough rookie campaign that positioned him as a credible long-term asset for Red Bull’s driver pipeline. His ability to challenge Verstappen in qualifying signaled rare adaptability to the RB22’s characteristics. The team’s willingness to prioritize his full recovery over short-term results reflects a strategic investment in his development trajectory. Simultaneously, Lawson’s competent deputizing strengthens his own case for a 2025 seat, either at Red Bull Racing or Racing Bulls. The upcoming triple-header — Azerbaijan, Singapore, and Austin — represents a critical window for car development; the driver in the second Red Bull cockpit will directly influence upgrade correlation and constructors’ championship positioning.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When will Red Bull decide on Isack Hadjar’s return?

    Laurent Mekies indicated the team will evaluate Hadjar’s condition in approximately one week, including a simulator session to assess his readiness under race-like loads. A final decision is expected before the next Grand Prix in Azerbaijan.

    How has Liam Lawson performed in Hadjar’s absence?

    Lawson has scored points in two of his three starts for Red Bull Racing at Zandvoort, Monza, and Madrid, demonstrating his capability in the senior team environment.

    What is the nature of Hadjar’s wrist injury?

    The source specifies that Hadjar hurt his wrist during training in the summer break. Mekies described the recovery timeline as “fundamentally normal time for the sort of injuries he has,” without detailing the specific diagnosis.

  • Red Bull Still Trying to Fix RB22 Issue

    Red Bull Still Trying to Fix RB22 Issue

    While McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes have all unlocked significant performance gains through their recent upgrade packages, Red Bull Racing continues to grapple with a fundamental issue affecting the RB22.

    Verstappen Highlights Aerodynamic Degradation

    The core of the problem relates to feedback from Max Verstappen, who has pointed out that the car suffers from an aerodynamic degradation of performance after a certain number of laps. This characteristic has prevented the team from maximizing its race pace relative to its improving rivals.

    Mekies Admits Complex Fix Required

    Team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed during the Madrid round that resolving this balance issue will not be a straightforward process. However, the technical update submissions Red Bull has lodged with the FIA at both Monza and Madrid offer a clear indication of the specific development directions the team is pursuing to rectify the deficit.

  • Red Bull Insists “there is nothing wrong” With Isack Hadjar’s Recovery

    Red Bull Insists “there is nothing wrong” With Isack Hadjar’s Recovery

    Key Highlights

    • Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies confirms Isack Hadjar’s wrist injury recovery is progressing normally, with a decision on his Baku return expected by Wednesday or Thursday.
    • Liam Lawson will continue preparing for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls roles until Hadjar’s fitness is confirmed, having scored 14 points in three grands prix.
    • Hadjar consulted seven-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, whose own rushed return from a broken humerus in 2020 cost him an entire season, reinforcing the team’s cautious approach.

    Red Bull Prioritizes Long-Term Health Over Quick Return for Hadjar

    Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies delivered a measured update on Isack Hadjar’s injury situation following the Spanish Grand Prix, confirming the French rookie’s recovery from a wrist injury sustained during the summer break is proceeding according to plan. Hadjar has missed the last three Formula 1 rounds, with Liam Lawson stepping into the Red Bull Racing seat while Yuki Tsunoda covered reserve duties at Racing Bulls. Speaking after Sunday’s race in Madrid, Mekies emphasized that the team has no intention of rushing the sophomore driver back before he reaches full fitness.

    Marquez Consultation Reinforces Cautious Strategy

    A pivotal factor in shaping Red Bull’s conservative timeline was Hadjar’s interaction with seven-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez. The Spanish motorcycle racing icon famously fractured his humerus in the 2020 Jerez season opener, attempted to compete in the following race, and subsequently missed the remainder of the campaign due to complications. That cautionary tale resonated with the 20-year-old Frenchman, convincing him that patience serves his long-term interests better than an accelerated return. Mekies confirmed the team has “learned that it’s fundamentally a normal time for the sort of injuries he has,” validating their existing medical approach.

    Simulator Test Will Determine Baku Availability

    Mekies outlined a clear decision-making framework for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. With “a bit more than a full week” before the Baku weekend, Hadjar will undergo evaluation before being placed on the simulator to experience “real-life constraints.” The team principal established a binary threshold: “If he feels close to 100%, we go for it; if he feels the recovery is not completed, we will stick on our approach to put his recovery first.” Mekies explicitly ruled out compromising Hadjar’s “long-term capacity to come back to 100%” for a premature race appearance, underscoring the organization’s investment in the driver’s development trajectory.

    Lawson Navigates Dual Preparation Challenge

    New Zealander Balances Two Team Workloads

    While Hadjar focuses on rehabilitation, Liam Lawson faces a demanding logistical challenge. The New Zealander must maintain race readiness for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls until a final decision on Hadjar’s status emerges. “It’s a lot of time at the factory and doing a lot of extra preparations,” Lawson admitted, adding that “this week off won’t be much of a week off.” The 22-year-old has impressed in his three substitute appearances, accumulating 14 championship points and climbing to ninth in the drivers’ standings—just 12 points adrift of Hadjar despite the Frenchman’s five-race head start.

    Mental Preparation Complicated by Uncertainty

    Lawson candidly described the psychological toll of preparing for two fundamentally different cars with no guarantee of which he will drive in Baku. “Coming to the end of the [Madrid] weekend now, I feel quite comfortable in this car. But just going forward, it’s the unknown all the way up to the race weekends,” he explained. The Red Bull driver estimated clarity might not arrive until “Wednesday or Thursday for Baku,” making it “quite tricky to mentally prepare for what car I’m going to drive.” Lawson noted the machinery differences are substantial: “Going back now will be quite tough. It’s completely different to drive.”

    Why This Matters

    The Hadjar-Lawson situation highlights Red Bull’s evolving driver management philosophy under new leadership. With Mekies and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley steering the program following Christian Horner’s reduced operational role, the team is demonstrating a willingness to protect young assets rather than exploit short-term performance gaps. Hadjar’s consultation with Marquez—facilitated by Red Bull’s cross-discipline motorsport network—shows an innovative approach to athlete welfare that transcends series boundaries. For Lawson, the extended audition strengthens his case for a full-time 2026 seat, whether at Red Bull Racing, Racing Bulls, or elsewhere. The Baku decision will also test Red Bull’s simulator correlation capabilities, as Hadjar’s virtual running will serve as the primary fitness benchmark in the absence of on-track running. Championship-wise, Lawson’s 14-point haul has injected unexpected competitiveness into the midfield battle, with the New Zealander now within striking distance of established runners including Nico Hulkenberg and Fernando Alonso.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When will Red Bull decide if Isack Hadjar races in Baku?

    According to team principal Laurent Mekies, the decision will likely come “probably all the way up to Wednesday or Thursday for Baku,” following a simulator evaluation after more than a week of recovery assessment.

    How has Liam Lawson performed in his three races replacing Hadjar?

    Lawson has scored 14 points across the three grands prix, placing him ninth in the drivers’ championship standings—just 12 points behind Hadjar despite missing the season’s first five rounds.

    Why did Isack Hadjar consult Marc Marquez about his injury?

    Hadjar sought advice from the seven-time MotoGP champion because Marquez famously rushed back from a broken humerus in 2020, aggravated the injury, and missed the rest of that season—a cautionary example that reinforced Red Bull’s patient approach to the Frenchman’s wrist recovery.

  • Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies Explains Why Max Verstappen Was Ordered to Return Positions in Madrid

    Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies Explains Why Max Verstappen Was Ordered to Return Positions in Madrid

    Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has defended the team’s decision to order Max Verstappen to surrender positions during the opening lap of the Spanish Grand Prix, a move that ultimately paved the way for a strong recovery drive to second place at the Madring circuit.

    First-Lap Clash Triggers Team Order

    The incident occurred immediately after lights out in Madrid. Verstappen, starting third, tangled with Lewis Hamilton as the Ferrari driver moved ahead into Turn 1. Verstappen maintained his grid slot only by cutting the corner, prompting an immediate investigation from race control.

    Over team radio, Verstappen protested that Hamilton “almost shunted him” and initially resisted instructions to concede the position. The Dutch driver had since passed Kimi Antonelli for second place, raising the stakes of a potential time penalty.

    Strategic Compliance Avoids Heavier Penalty

    Verstappen eventually complied, allowing both Antonelli and Hamilton to repass. The strategy shifted rapidly when Hamilton suffered a brake failure and retired shortly after. A subsequent Virtual Safety Car period played into Red Bull’s hands during their pit stop cycle, enabling Verstappen to finish runner-up to race winner Antonelli.

    Mekies: “Better to Take the Pain at That Moment”

    Speaking to F1 TV after the Grand Prix, Mekies acknowledged the decision was unpopular in the cockpit but necessary for the broader race outcome.

    “We would have simply been penalized either five seconds or ten seconds at their discretion,” he told F1 TV. “So that’s what would have happened. And of course, if you can imagine race scenarios with a Safety Car or other circumstances, it can cost you a lot more than a position or two.”

    Mekies emphasized that the team anticipated Verstappen’s frustration but backed his ability to recover.

    “Luckily Max gave away the position before Lewis retired and ultimately continued to fight the race from that point,” he continued. “Of course it is frustrating but, in fairness, I think P2 was the absolute best we could have achieved today.”

    Verstappen Accepts “Nature of the Track”

    For his part, Verstappen characterized the opening skirmish as a product of the new Madrid layout. After the enforced position swaps, he focused solely on maximizing his race pace, a mindset that delivered a damage-limitation podium.

    Championship Standings Update

    The result leaves Verstappen sixth in the Drivers’ Championship with 145 points. Teammate Liam Lawson scored sixth place on his return to the seat, lifting Red Bull to fourth in the Constructors’ standings ahead of the next round in Baku.

  • Liam Lawson Praised After Impressive Red Bull Comeback at Dutch GP

    Liam Lawson Praised After Impressive Red Bull Comeback at Dutch GP

    Former Red Bull mechanic and current team ambassador Calum Nicholas has praised Liam Lawson’s “absolutely brilliant” adaptation after the New Zealander stepped into Red Bull’s Formula 1 seat at the Dutch Grand Prix.

    Lawson was unexpectedly called up to replace Isack Hadjar, who withdrew from the final F1 event at Zandvoort because of a wrist injury. Despite the short notice, the Racing Bulls driver delivered a strong performance alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen.

    Nicholas praises Lawson’s Red Bull return

    “He seems to have just taken everything really calmly under his wing, and he’s had a solid weekend,” Nicholas explained during the Talking Bull podcast.

    “For the car that we’ve had underneath us this weekend, he maximised the results that were available with the car he had, and that would be great for him.”

    Lawson’s appearance marked his first return to the Red Bull seat since his demotion from the Milton Keynes team in 2025. The 24-year-old replaced Sergio Perez for the 2025 season but was moved back to Racing Bulls after just two races.

    “It was really important for him to just have a quiet weekend, but do a really, really good job. And that’s exactly what he did,” Nicholas continued.

    “With all the noise about it and obviously what he’d been through before in the car. So to be able to make that hop really quickly at the last minute and do a solid job. Absolutely brilliant for him. I’m really happy for his weekend and for him.”

    Laurent Mekies backs Lawson’s performance

    Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies also acknowledged the difficulty of the task handed to Lawson.

    “It’s never easy to step into a different team, a different car for a race like that, and he’s done a good job,” Mekies said. “He was only one tenth away from Max yesterday in qualifying, and today took the points that were available to him pace-wise with seventh place.”

    Source: www.motorsport.com

  • FIA Reveals Latest ADUO Engine Ranking as Red Bull Remains Formula 1 Benchmark

    FIA Reveals Latest ADUO Engine Ranking as Red Bull Remains Formula 1 Benchmark

    The FIA has published the latest Additional Upgrades and Opportunities (ADUO) evaluation for Formula 1 power units, with the Red Bull-Ford internal combustion engine still ranked as the benchmark.

    The analysis covers every race from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix through the Hungarian Grand Prix. According to the FIA’s findings, Red Bull-Ford currently has the most powerful internal combustion engine in F1.

    Mercedes is estimated to be between 2% and 4% behind Red Bull-Ford on power. Audi, Ferrari and Honda are more than 4% adrift. Honda’s updated power unit, introduced at the Dutch Grand Prix, was not included in the latest assessment.

    No additional power unit homologations awarded

    Following the first quarter of the season, Mercedes was granted one additional homologation for each of 2026 and 2027. Audi, Ferrari and Honda were each awarded two additional homologations for both years. The allowances include extra cost-cap capacity and additional dyno testing, although no official announcement had been made at the time.

    While the FIA confirmed the latest ADUO ranking, it did not award any further homologations in this evaluation period.

    Mercedes expected to lead F1 power unit rankings

    Mercedes had widely been considered to have the strongest power unit in Formula 1, rather than Red Bull-Ford. The ADUO system has faced criticism because it evaluates only the internal combustion engine, which is not the sole performance differentiator in F1’s current hybrid power units.

    Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has also acknowledged the strength of the team’s power unit, although his comments were not made specifically in reference to the ADUO system.

    “The FIA has undertaken thorough and exhaustive analysis as part of our ADUO review process,” said Nikolas Tombazis, FIA director of single-seater. “With the release of the findings of period two, we are confident that, based on the quality of the data, its analysis is incredibly robust, giving us a high level of confidence in our findings. We also have to respect the confidentiality and intellectual property of the teams and their power unit manufacturers in disseminating any details from the findings.

    “This is the first year of ADUO so naturally there are areas which we may evolve over time, in discussion with all the PU manufacturers.”

    Red Bull questions ADUO opportunities

    Red Bull has been particularly frustrated by the limited opportunities provided by the current ranking system. The team requested a review of the results issued after the Canadian Grand Prix, but that appeal was unsuccessful.

    Speaking after the Belgian Grand Prix, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said:

    “Toto is right. I also think that they have the most powerful power unit,” team principal Laurent Mekies said following the Belgian GP. “And certainly they had a sizeable advantage on the straight this weekend again.

    “But it’s not the first weekend. They have an advantage on the straight most weekends. And this weekend a bit more with the track sensitivity.

    “As you said, the second period closing in Budapest in a week’s time. We’ll see what’s happening.”

    With Red Bull-Ford still at the top of the ADUO rankings, the system is expected to become a major topic of debate during the Italian Grand Prix weekend.