Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has insisted the team is content with the idea of being placed in a position where it needs to make “difficult decisions” with its drivers.
Last time out at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Isack Hadjar was following Max Verstappen early in the race and appeared to have more pace than the four-time champion on a more favourable tyre.
However, Red Bull did not order a swap around of positions, something that has not been seen at Red Bull for some time due to Verstappen's dominance over his team-mates.
Verstappen and Hadjar eventually finished the race in second and third respectively, with Verstappen displaying better pace after making a pit stop under a safety car.
It marked Hadjar's first race since before the summer break, having missed three events due to injury, drawing praise from Mekies.
“Baku was outstanding from Isack, and he should get the praise for that,” he told Sky F1.
“Coming back after six weeks and doing what he did in terms of race pace, in terms of how cleverly he raced, it was really, really outstanding.”
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'Good problem' for Red Bull if Verstappen challenged
While some squads often employ team orders, Red Bull has not been in a position to do so for many years.
However, at the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, there was controversy when Verstappen refused to let Sergio Perez through for position to aid the Mexican's quest to finish P2 in the standings.
Rather than fear the possibility of opening that can of worms again, Mekies stated it would only reflect that both of its drivers are performing well.
“It's a good problem to have if we get to the situations you are talking about,” Mekies added.
“Honestly, it was very, very strong teamwork and team spirit [at the] last race, both drivers are on board when it comes to maximising the team results.
“And if we have to make difficult decisions in the future, it means that we are in a very, very strong position.
“So we only wish that for ourselves.”
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding as they look back on the Azerbaijan GP but also look ahead to F1's return this weekend to Malaysia! Rumours linking Christian Horner with a return to the sport is a major talking point.
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