Red Bull Racing rookie driver Isack Hadjar has responded to the recent announcement that Laurent Mekies will replace Christian Horner as CEO and team principal of Red Bull Racing, describing the change as potentially “useful” as rumors about his own seat at Red Bull intensify. This leadership shift follows a challenging period for the team marked by underwhelming performances, with Alan Permane stepping up to lead Red Bull’s sister team.
When asked about the impact of these changes on his current environment, Hadjar indicated that his working relationship with Alan Permane means his usual processes are unlikely to be disrupted.
Hadjar’s Perspective on Management and Technical Influence
Hadjar emphasized the continuity within the team, noting his close technical collaboration with Permane rather than Mekies, which assures stability despite the executive transition. He said,
No [it won’t change], because Alan was just below Laurent [in the hierarchy] for the last two years. I know it won’t change the team dynamic. I have to say, honestly, I think I worked more with Alan from a technical standpoint than with Laurent. Because he’s such a good engineer.
—Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing Driver
Addressing the broader significance of Christian Horner’s departure, Hadjar recognized its importance but maintained the change would not affect him personally in the near term, stressing his familiarity with Permane.
Christian Horner leaving is major, but to be fair, it doesn’t really change much for me at the moment. Alan is someone I know really well. He was always quiet, you don’t see him often, but he’s a big part of the team so far.
—Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing Driver
He further outlined Permane’s influential role on the technical side of operations and his close collaboration with Mekies during the CEO’s tenure.
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.
—Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing Driver
Ongoing Ambitions and Relationship with Mekies
As a driver within Red Bull’s sister team, Hadjar’s primary goal remains to secure a promotion to the main Red Bull Racing seat. His promising start to the 2025 season has fueled speculation about this opportunity, which Hadjar acknowledged alongside his existing rapport with Laurent Mekies.
We were really close together and he’s still around,
—Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing Driver
If I had to work with him, it would be easier, that’s for sure. We sound more familiar,
he joked.
So yeah, I would say so.
—Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing Driver
Hadjar laughed as he admitted the potential advantage this relationship presents.
“Can’t hide it’s useful, that’s for sure,”
he said, underscoring the importance of consistent performance over the remaining twelve races of the season.
You’re as good as your last race, all the time.
—Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing Driver
Reflection on Past Relationships with Team Leadership
Reflecting on his journey through the ranks, Hadjar revealed his closer engagement with Helmut Marko than with Christian Horner, citing this as a factor throughout his progression.
I was always way closer to Helmut, it was always very brief with Christian. If I had to jump in his car, obviously I would spend time with him, but it was always about Helmut when I was progressing through the ranks,
—Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing Driver
He also confirmed he has not yet discussed the recent management shake-up with Horner, maintaining a focus on his own development and team roles.
Significance of the Leadership Transition and What Lies Ahead
The replacement of Christian Horner by Laurent Mekies marks a major transition for Red Bull Racing, coming after a phase of disappointing results. Despite this, Hadjar’s strong technical relationships within the team and his steady approach highlight the internal stability amid change. His comments suggest that while off-track leadership shifts occur, operational dynamics remain consistent, which could be crucial for his ongoing campaign and potential advancement.
With twelve races left in the season, Hadjar’s emphasis on continuous performance demonstrates the competitive pressure drivers face, particularly those seeking elevation within prestigious teams like Red Bull Racing. How Mekies’ leadership ultimately shapes Red Bull’s direction, and whether Hadjar’s seat speculation materializes, will be closely monitored by fans and insiders alike.