Hadjar defies Red Bull curse with confident debut
French rookie Isack Hadjar joins Red Bull as Verstappen’s teammate, dismisses the team’s ‘second‑seat curse’ after an eighth‑place finish in Shanghai, and says he’s confident the car and his pace can compete.
Isack Hadjar, 2025 Racing Bulls rookie, took Red Bull's second seat for 2026, replacing Yuki Tsunoda. After an eighth‑place finish in Shanghai - his only point so far - he told F1 he's not intimidated by the team's 'second‑seat curse.' "If I believe I'm good, I'm good," he said, noting the first three races matched his expectations.
Why it matters:
Red Bull’s second driver has historically lagged Verstappen, which reduces the team’s ability to pressure title rivals. A strong partner can accelerate car development and keep the championship battle alive.
The details:
- Seat change – Hadjar replaces Tsunoda after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
- Shanghai performance – Finished 8th, scoring his first F1 point; the car was described as 'very hard to drive'.
- Mindset – He acknowledges the 'curse' but stresses realism: same car, new regs, and belief in his own pace.
What's next:
The upcoming rounds in the United States and Brazil will test whether Hadjar can consistently challenge the midfield and narrow the gap to Verstappen. A steady points haul could finally give Red Bull a second driver who influences the championship, turning a long‑standing narrative on its head.
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