Hadjar in Awe of Verstappen’s Most Impressive Trait: His Anger
Isack Hadjar, promoted to Red Bull for 2026, is most impressed by teammate Max Verstappen's relentless anger and desire to win, a trait he believes sets the four-time champion apart.
Incoming Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar is set to partner four-time world champion Max Verstappen in 2026, but it's not the Dutchman's speed or silverware that he finds most impressive. Instead, Hadjar is in awe of Verstappen's relentless anger and hunger to win, a fire that remains undiminished despite his immense success. This mindset, Hadjar believes, is what truly separates the champion from his peers and sets a formidable standard for his new teammate.
Why it matters:
After narrowly missing out on the 2025 title, Red Bull's 2026 lineup is crucial for its comeback under massive new regulations. Hadjar's recognition of Verstappen's "win-at-all-costs" fury highlights the intense, high-performance environment he's entering. For a young driver, understanding and potentially emulating that relentless drive is a critical factor in succeeding at a top team and could define Red Bull's challenge in the new era.
The details:
- An Uncompromising Mentality: Hadjar stated he's most impressed that after four world titles, Verstappen is "still very hungry, and very mad when it doesn’t go his way." He contrasts this with other champions who might "slow down" after reaching the pinnacle, suggesting Verstappen approaches every race with the same intensity as a rookie.
- A Childhood Dream: The promotion is a fulfillment of a lifelong ambition for Hadjar, who grew up watching Sebastian Vettel dominate with Red Bull. He is now eager to experience what it's like to face "the best level in the world" as a daily teammate and benchmark.
- The 2026 Reset: With the upcoming technical overhaul, Hadjar enters with "no expectations," viewing it as a fresh start for everyone on the grid. His focus is on integrating with the team quickly during the winter to gain an early advantage in the development race.
Looking Ahead:
The 2026 season represents a massive reset for Formula 1, leveling the playing field and offering new opportunities. For Hadjar, the challenge is twofold: adapting to the pressure of F1's top team and learning from a teammate whose intensity is his defining characteristic. If he can channel even a fraction of Verstappen's win-fueled mentality, the Red Bull pairing could become a formidable force in the new era.