Daly warns Red Bull to support Hadjar or repeat 'biggest mistake'

Isack Hadjar is set for the daunting task of being Max Verstappen's Red Bull teammate in 2026, but former F1 driver Derek Daly warns the team must provide robust mental and emotional support to avoid another driver's career being derailed. Daly cautions that without this backing, Red Bull risks repeating its 'biggest mistake' of letting a confident Daniel Ricciardo walk away, a move that created a long-standing pattern of teammate struggles.

Why it matters:

The performance of a second driver is critical for winning the Constructors' Championship, which translates into significant prize money and prestige. For years, Red Bull has effectively operated as a one-car team, with teammates unable to consistently challenge Verstappen or score crucial points. Ensuring Hadjar is competitive isn't just about his career; it's about securing the team's long-term dominance against resurgent rivals like McLaren and Ferrari.

The big picture:

• The Ricciardo Precedent: Daly labels Red Bull's decision to let Daniel Ricciardo leave after 2018 as its 'biggest mistake.' Ricciardo, a race winner and confident competitor, departed because he felt the team's structure was entirely skewed towards Verstappen, making him feel unwanted.
• A Pattern of Struggles: Since Ricciardo's exit, a succession of talented drivers—including Pierre Gasly, Sergio Perez, and Yuki Tsunoda—have failed to consistently match Verstappen's pace, often seeing their confidence and form crumble under the pressure and a car tailored to the champion's style.
• The Mental Game: Daly emphasizes that the challenge is psychological. Hadjar is acutely aware of this history, and Red Bull must actively work to prevent the 'Verstappen effect' from intimidating him before he even hits the track.

What's next:

The onus is now on Red Bull to create an environment where Hadjar can thrive. This involves more than just providing a competitive car; it requires genuine emotional and psychological support from the team hierarchy. Hadjar's management is already working to prepare him mentally, but a strong start to the 2026 season will be vital. If he falters early, Red Bull could once again find itself relying solely on Verstappen, leaving them vulnerable in the tightly contested Constructors' battle.