Hadjar Aims to Be First Driver to Excel Alongside Verstappen
Promoted to Red Bull for 2026, Isack Hadjar isn't just aiming to survive alongside Max Verstappen; he wants to be the first driver to excel. His strategy involves accepting he'll be slower initially and working harder than anyone to close the gap.
Isack Hadjar isn't content with just landing a seat at Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen; the Frenchman has set his sights on a much bolder goal. He wants to be the first driver in a long time to genuinely perform and fight for victories next to the three-time world champion, acknowledging the immense challenge but preparing with a unique and realistic mindset.
Why it matters:
Verstappen has dominated his teammates throughout his F1 career, often leaving a trail of broken confidence and careers in his wake. Hadjar's promotion presents a fascinating case study: can a young driver with a clear-eyed, psychologically astute approach succeed where so many others have failed? His performance will not only define his own career but could also impact Red Bull's internal dynamics and their quest for continued dominance.
The details:
- A Rapid Rise: Hadjar's journey to the senior team has been swift. After a strong debut season with Racing Bulls in 2025, where he secured his first podium in Zandvoort, he was rewarded with a promotion for 2026. This came after he wasn't even certain of an F1 seat at the end of 2024.
- Defining Achievement: For Hadjar, simply signing the contract isn't the achievement. He defines success as "meeting expectations at Red Bull," which translates to "fighting for victories" and "being there every weekend."
- The Mindset Strategy: Hadjar's core strategy is to preemptively accept that he will be slower than Verstappen, at least initially. He believes his predecessors failed by secretly thinking they could beat the Dutchman from the start, leading to a demoralizing "snowball effect" once they were outperformed.
- He plans to embrace the initial frustration of analyzing data and seeing gaps he can't yet close, viewing it as a necessary part of the learning process.
- Hard Work as the Differentiator: Hadjar believes he can close the gap not through raw talent alone but through sheer effort. He intends to forgo a long holiday and spend January and February at the factory in Milton Keynes, focusing heavily on the simulator to understand the new 2026 car before it's even built.
- Acknowledging Verstappen's Genius: He holds no illusions about his new teammate, stating, "He doesn't have a driving style. He adapts to what he's given and that's what is his strength." Hadjar recognizes that Verstappen will be immediately fast in the new regulations, making his own task even more difficult.
What's next:
Hadjar's unique psychological approach will be put to the test as soon as pre-season testing begins. His plan to work extensively in the simulator and at the factory could provide a solid foundation, but the real challenge will be maintaining his measured mindset while facing the raw speed of Verstappen on track. If his strategy pays off, he could indeed become the first driver to establish himself as a genuine threat to Verstappen's supremacy within the team.