Red Bull & Hadjar: Rain Race Controversy Explained
- Where the first day of the shakedown in Barcelona was very productive with 107 laps completed for Isack hadjar, the second day proved to be much more difficult.
- "Today the weather made it a lot more difficult," Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies looks back."Max drove in the morning.
- This logically raises the question of why red Bull didn't do that.
Where the first day of the shakedown in Barcelona was very productive with 107 laps completed for Isack hadjar, the second day proved to be much more difficult. max Verstappen made his first meters with the RB22 in the morning. The four-time world champion had a small moment in turn 5 in the morning, but was able to continue.With aero racks on the car, he completed 27 laps. In the afternoon,Hadjar took the wheel. He went around 51 times, but ended in a minor key due to a skid.
Why did Red Bull decide to drive in the rain?
“Today the weather made it a lot more difficult,” Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies looks back.”Max drove in the morning. We were able to do one dry run before the rain came,but that’s all part of it.” Having mentioned that, most Formula 1 teams decided not to drive for exactly that reason. Only Ferrari and Red Bull racing were on the asphalt on Tuesday. McLaren actually wanted to kick off with the MCL40, but decided to wait until Wednesday due to the weather conditions.
This logically raises the question of why red Bull didn’t do that. “Well, we thought it would be interesting to drive in the rain under these new regulations,” explains Mekies. “Moreover, everything is fully new and we had a lot of work to do.” He indicates that these first days are purely focused on the basics: how the car works and how all the systems work. This can – as Charles Leclerc also explained – in principle be done in all weather conditions, as it is solely about the very first basics.
Verstappen Signs New Long-Term Deal with Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen committed his future to Red Bull Racing on January 27, 2026, signing a multi-year contract extension that will keep the three-time Formula 1 World Champion with the team through at least the 2028 season. The announcement ends speculation linking the dutch driver to potential moves to rival teams like Mercedes.
“Max’s commitment to the team is incredibly meaningful,” said Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner in a team press release. “He is a key part of our success, and we are excited to continue building our future together.”
Verstappen,27,has been with Red Bull racing since 2016,achieving 22 wins and three World Championships (2021,2022,and 2023).He currently leads the 2024 championship standings.
Key Details of the contract
- Duration: Multi-year, extending through at least the 2028 season.
- Financial Terms: While specific details weren’t disclosed, Motorsport.com reports the deal is estimated to be the most lucrative in Formula 1 history.
- Role: Verstappen will continue as the lead driver for Red Bull Racing.
The new contract comes after a period of uncertainty surrounding the future of Red Bull Racing, following the passing of its founder, Dietrich Mateschitz, in 2022. The team has reassured Verstappen of its long-term commitment to competing at the highest level.
“I truly believe we have the best peopel and the best team in the business,” verstappen stated. “I’m incredibly proud to represent Red Bull Racing and look forward to many more successes together.”
This extension solidifies Red Bull Racing’s driver lineup for the foreseeable future, alongside Sergio Pérez, who also has a contract through 2024. The team aims to continue its dominance in Formula 1 with Verstappen at the helm.
Max Verstappen with Red Bull Racing. (Motorsport.com)