Red Bull Racing says its notorious “second‑seat curse” may be broken, after Friday’s F1 broadcast from Worcester, United Kingdom, where Formula 1 presenter Will Buxton praised team principal Laurent Mekies’ new cultural approach.
Mekies’ Culture Overhaul
Under Mekies, the Milton Keynes outfit is said to have moved away from the high‑pressure ethos that defined the horizon of the past, under Christian Horner or Dr Helmut Marko. Buxton noted that the team now “provides a safe, supportive space”, allowing drivers to recover and even “re‑enter the business with a contract in hand rather than a looming threat.”
History of the Second‑Seat Seat
Red Bull has long struggled to place a permanent teammate beside Max Verstappen. Liam Lawson served in the 2025 seat for two weekends before returning to the junior programme at Racing Bulls. Yuki Tsunoda was the following driver for the remainder of that season, posted a debut podium, and left a strong impression before the team opted for a fresh talent. Isack Hadjar was promoted from Racing Bulls in 2026, trying his hand on the chassis that usually houses Verstappen.
Hadjar’s Dramatic Season‑Launch
Hadjar suffered a wrist injury during the summer break, missing action until the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, his first race after the gap. He finished third, the best result for any Red Bull second‑seat driver in years, and the remark by Buxton is that the team’s relaxed environment may have helped him extract maximum performance.
While the curse’s removal is not solely credited to Hadjar’s drive, the evidence suggests that a more humane team culture is influencing every member on the standing‑room floor.
With Hadjar’s podium came fresh headlines: the long‑heard second‑seat criticism could finally be fading, and the Dutch duo may face fewer psychological hurdles in the coming seasons.
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