Formula 1 broadcaster Will Buxton believes team principal Laurent Mekies has removed Red Bull's second seat "curse" by replacing the Milton Keynes outfit's historically ruthless environment with a more supportive team culture.
Red Bull has struggled to find a team-mate for four-time champion Max Verstappen for some time. Sergio Perez, who now drives for Cadillac, was replaced in the second driver role at Red Bull in 2025 by Liam Lawson. The New Zealander was only in the seat beside Verstappen for two race weekends before he was placed back into Racing Bulls.