Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has confidence in Isack Hadjar’s preparation, but emphasizes that the real litmus test will only follow when the new season actually begins. After a strong rookie year at sister team Racing Bulls – in which Hadjar impressed with consistent qualifying performances and a podium finish at Zandvoort – he inherited the main team seat from Yuki Tsunoda.
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Isack Hadjar looks back on a successful debut year in Formula 1. A third place during the Dutch GP and a striking qualifying speed – reaching Q3 sixteen times in total – earned him promotion. The question is whether he can hold his own alongside Max Verstappen this year. The Dutchman has worn out numerous teammates in recent years; one by one they paled in comparison to the four-time world champion. According to Mekies, Hadjar has at least made the right preparations. For instance, he moved to England during the winter break and spent a lot of time at the factory in Milton Keynes.
‘He is doing everything right’
“So far he (Hadjar, ed.) has done everything right,” Mekies told the British Autosport. “He shows the right approach in terms of dedication and personality. He moved to England immediately, can be found at the headquarters in Milton Keynes every two days, and works closely with the team. Even between the two tests in Bahrain, he returned to the simulator; he left nothing to chance. On the eve of his departure for Melbourne, he looks very good: he is smiling and remains calm.”
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According to Mekies, however, the real work only begins when the lights go out and the pressure increases. “Then it is up to us to create the right environment for him when the pressure and expectations increase,” he explained. “But he has the personality and the preparation to do well.”
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