Hadjar finds Verstappen 'very open' in early Red Bull partnership

Isack Hadjar's promotion to Red Bull Racing for 2026 pairs him with the sport's dominant force, Max Verstappen. The 21-year-old Frenchman reports a collaborative start with his four-time champion teammate, easing his transition into a team he's been part of for years through its junior program and simulator work.

Why it matters:

A harmonious relationship between Verstappen and his new teammate is critical for Red Bull's internal stability and performance. Past teammates have struggled under the pressure, and a supportive dynamic allows the team to focus development and data-sharing effectively. For Hadjar, direct access to the current benchmark driver is an unparalleled learning opportunity that could accelerate his adaptation to a top team.

The details:

• Hadjar described his initial working relationship with Verstappen as "very good," noting the champion has been "very open so far." This suggests a more collaborative atmosphere than the often tense intra-team rivalries Red Bull has experienced.
• The transition to the senior team has been smoothed by significant continuity. Hadjar is not new to the organization, having been a Red Bull junior since 2021, run FP1 sessions in 2023-24, and worked closely with many of the engineers in simulator roles.
• He is also reunited with Team Principal Laurent Mekies, who led Racing Bulls during Hadjar's rookie F1 season in 2025. Hadjar cited this familiarity as a key factor, saying, "It doesn’t really feel like jumping into a new team."

What's next:

The true test of this dynamic will come during the competitive pressures of the season. Pre-season collaboration is one thing, but how the relationship evolves when battling for position on track or when car development decisions arise will define the partnership. Hadjar's integration and performance will be a major storyline for Red Bull in 2026, as the team assesses its long-term driver lineup alongside Verstappen.