Red Bull Racing CEO Laurent Mekies has outlined the team's efforts to safeguard drivers and staff from the psychological pressures of Formula 1, particularly following recent driver demotions. Speaking at the Autosport Business Exchange in London, he emphasized creating supportive environments amid lineup changes. These measures aim to help high-level athletes maintain peak performance.
Red Bull Racing has faced challenges in securing a stable second driver alongside four-time champion Max Verstappen. For the 2025 season, Liam Lawson stepped in to replace Sergio Perez but was demoted to the sister team, Racing Bulls, after only two race weekends. Yuki Tsunoda then filled the seat at Red Bull ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. Looking to 2026, Tsunoda has transitioned to a reserve role, with Isack Hadjar promoted to partner Verstappen after completing his rookie season at Racing Bulls.
Laurent Mekies, who served as Racing Bulls team principal during Lawson's demotion, witnessed the emotional toll firsthand. At the Autosport Business Exchange London, he addressed the issue: "Well, we are well aware that the psychological effect is huge. But not just for those situations about a second car, just for any very high-level athletes. That last bit of performance is intimately linked to how you feel, how you are supported and what's in your mind."
Mekies highlighted Red Bull's commitment to fostering optimal conditions for all personnel. "So we are really trying to support both our drivers with the best environment possible for them to express their talent. But it's the same spirit that you try to have for any of our employees," he said. He extended this philosophy to the broader team: "In the same way that you need to create the environment for the drivers to express themselves and go fast, you need to create the environment for your engineers, for your mechanics, for your staff, to express their potential, their talent at best. So it is the same again."
Hadjar's promotion comes at a pivotal time, coinciding with major regulation changes in 2026 that could level the playing field, potentially easing the pressure of the high-stakes seat.