Former F1 driver warns Isack Hadjar over 'naive' Verstappen challenge
Anthony Davidson calls Isack Hadjar 'naive' for thinking the 2026 regulation changes will help him challenge Max Verstappen at Red Bull, citing the champion's history of dominating teammates across different car eras.
Anthony Davidson has dismissed Isack Hadjar's suggestion that the 2026 technical overhaul will level the playing field against Max Verstappen as "naive." The French rookie, who will partner the four-time champion at Red Bull next season, faces the monumental task of competing against a driver with a long history of dominating teammates across different car generations.
Why it matters:
Hadjar's promotion to Red Bull is one of the most anticipated driver moves for 2026, placing a promising rookie directly against the sport's benchmark. His belief that new regulations will reset the competitive hierarchy speaks to the immense psychological and technical challenge any driver faces when paired with Verstappen. Davidson's comments highlight that the challenge extends far beyond car design to raw driver talent and adaptability.
The details:
- Hadjar earned his Red Bull seat after a strong rookie season, capped by a maiden podium at the Dutch Grand Prix, replacing Yuki Tsunoda.
- He has previously stated that 2026 represents an ideal opportunity, as the new car will eliminate the specific challenges previous teammates faced with the ground-effect machinery.
- Davidson countered this view, pointing to Verstappen's dominance over high-caliber drivers like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon in the pre-2022 cars, a completely different generation of Formula 1 machinery.
- The 2026 regulations will bring dramatic aerodynamic changes and a major shift in power unit rules, placing a greater emphasis on driver skill in energy management and deployment.
What's next:
The 2026 season will be the ultimate test of Hadjar's talent and mental fortitude. While the new regulations are a reset, Davidson believes Verstappen's proven ability to adapt and excel in any car makes him the favorite. The championship may well hinge on which driver can best "think their way around" the complex energy management systems, a domain where Verstappen is expected to thrive. All eyes will be on that intra-team dynamic from the first race.