Red Bull Boss Mekies Reacts to Hadjar's Barcelona Crash During RB22 Shakedown

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies labeled Isack Hadjar’s crash at Turn 14 during the Barcelona shakedown as “very unfortunate,” bringing an abrupt end to the team's second day of testing. Despite the setback, Mekies lauded the squad's “incredible” effort to get the RB22—running the first Red Bull Ford power unit—onto the track so early.

Why it matters:

This shakedown marks a critical milestone for Red Bull as they transition into a power unit manufacturer in partnership with Ford. Every lap is vital for validating the new engine's architecture and cooling systems, making the loss of running time due to the crash a significant hurdle in their early data-gathering phase.

The details:

• Day 1 Success: Hadjar reportedly set the unofficial pace on the opening day, completing 107 laps in dry conditions and providing valuable initial feedback on the new car.
• Day 2 Struggles: The session was disrupted by rain and a brief red flag caused by Max Verstappen running wide, limiting dry running before Hadjar’s incident.
• The Incident: Hadjar went into the wall at Turn 14 during the afternoon wet session. Mekies confirmed the driver was unscathed but noted the tricky conditions were a major factor.
• Pride in Project: Mekies emphasized the “special atmosphere” in Barcelona, praising the Milton Keynes team for preparing the car to run with their own power unit by Monday morning.

What's next:

Red Bull has one final day of testing remaining in Barcelona. The team’s immediate priority is assessing the damage to the RB22 to determine if repairs can be completed in time. Mekies noted the team must remain “flexible” and “play that card carefully” to maximize their remaining track time with the new package.