Sunday, 8 November 2026

Red Bull Clarifies Power Unit Situation for Isack Hadjar in Mexico

Red Bull has confirmed that Isack Hadjar's power unit trouble during practice in Mexico City was unrelated to high altitude.

Red Bull Clarifies Power Unit Situation for Isack Hadjar in Mexico

Red Bull Addresses Power Unit Troubles

Red Bull has confirmed that power unit difficulties experienced by isack hadjar during the opening practice session of the Mexico City Grand Prix were completely unrelated to the region's high altitude. Team principal Laurent Mekies addressed the situation after early concerns arose over how the new-generation power units would cope with the thinner air at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Early in the first practice session, the driver faced a sudden mechanical setback that required garage intervention. Although the crew successfully managed to get the car back out on the circuit, the resulting delay restricted his running time. He ultimately finished the session in 11th position, trailing the benchmark time set by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc by 1.417 seconds.

Looking Ahead at Weekend Compromises

Mekies noted that while the initial mechanical hiccup was resolved, every team on the grid will face necessary adjustments throughout the event. Operating in Mexico City requires distinct compromises, balancing power unit management against altitude effects and chassis setups against ambient temperatures.

The unique operational demands could create an unpredictable pecking order for Sunday's grand prix. According to management, it remains unclear whether these necessary adjustments will ultimately grant teams an advantage or a disadvantage until further sessions unfold.

Sources: RacingNews365, Formula 1, Motorsport Week.

Frequently asked questions

Were Isack Hadjar's power unit issues caused by the altitude in Mexico City?
No, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed that the power unit problems encountered by Isack Hadjar were not linked with the altitude.
How did Isack Hadjar perform in first practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix?
After returning to the track following repairs, Isack Hadjar finished 11th quickest, 1.417s behind pacesetter Charles Leclerc.
What did Laurent Mekies say about team compromises for the race weekend?
Laurent Mekies stated that all teams will have to make compromises on the power unit side due to altitude and the chassis side due to temperature to survive the weekend.
Did Red Bull manage to fix the issue during the session?
The team managed to send him back out on track after losing some time, and the team hopes the power unit issue is fully resolved.
Written by

Akhil Pandey

Akhil Pandey is a Senior Editor responsible for reviewing, refining, and improving editorial content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and readability. His editorial approach focuses…