Mekies hails 'mega job' from Red Bull after Verstappen's Hungarian Grand Prix podium

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised the efforts of Max Verstappen, Isack Hadjar and the entire team after the Hungarian Grand Prix, describing their performance as one of the squad's strongest of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Verstappen recovered from a challenging weekend to finish second at the Hungaroring, overcoming an RB22 that left him frustrated throughout much of the race.

After battling Lewis Hamilton during the opening two stints, the Dutchman produced one of the overtakes of the afternoon with a bold move around the outside before Red Bull's strategy team made another crucial call by leaving him on track during the late Virtual Safety Car. Running the soft tyres to the finish allowed Verstappen to gain further track position and secure another podium.

On the other side of the garage, Hadjar finished sixth after another composed drive. The Frenchman spent much of the race on an alternative strategy, with his long opening and second stints also helping to delay several of Verstappen's rivals during the pit-stop phases. The result marked Hadjar's seventh consecutive top-six finish.

Reflecting on the race, Mekies praised both drivers and highlighted the work that had gone on behind the scenes after Red Bull struggled for pace earlier in the weekend.

"Hungary was a very strong race and a mega job from Max, Isack and the whole Team," Mekies said.

"We hadn't shown that sort of pace earlier in the weekend, and both drivers had been battling with the car, but everyone here at track and back at the factory worked very hard."

The Red Bull boss believes the team extracted virtually everything that was available from the RB22, with only race winner Lando Norris operating on another level.

"In the end, the underlying pace was certainly good enough to fight with everyone except for Lando."

Mekies also credited the team's execution throughout the race, pointing to Verstappen's overtake on Hamilton, strategic decisions and flawless pit work as key factors behind the result.

"There were several key moments during the race, whether it was Max overtaking Lewis, strategy calls or pit stops, but everyone made all the right decisions. It was an incredibly strong performance from Max."

The Frenchman was equally complimentary of Hadjar, whose consistency has become one of the standout stories of the season.

"Isack also delivered another very impressive race, securing his seventh consecutive top six finish. He continues to show remarkable consistency, and he fully deserves the results."

With Formula 1 now entering its summer shutdown, Mekies believes Red Bull heads into the break with renewed momentum after closing the gap to its rivals over recent races.

"This is a good way to go into the summer break. It gives the whole Team time to recharge ahead of the second half of the season, when we hope we can be even stronger."

Looking back on the opening half of the campaign, Mekies admitted it has been an inconsistent season but feels Red Bull is now moving in the right direction.

"The first half of the season has been something of a rollercoaster, but we're clearly moving in the right direction thanks to the hard work and commitment of everyone back at the factory."

He also pointed to the team's recent form as evidence that Red Bull is once again becoming a regular contender at the front.

"Over the past four races, we've consistently been in the fight for podiums, and have managed to close the gap to our competitors significantly."

"Everyone in Milton Keynes is pushing very hard to take the next step towards fighting for wins, and we look forward to competing with our rivals in the second half of the season."