Hadjar's Strategy Against Verstappen: Accept Defeat, Then Outwork Him
Incoming Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar plans to tackle Max Verstappen by accepting he'll be slower initially, focusing on outworking the four-time champ during the winter break to close the gap.
Isack Hadjar, Max Verstappen's new Red Bull teammate for 2026, has outlined his counterintuitive strategy for facing the four-time world champion. Instead of believing he can beat Verstappen outright, Hadjar plans to accept he'll be slower initially and make his difference through relentless work in the simulator during the winter break. He believes this realistic approach is where he can avoid the fate of Verstappen's previous teammates.
Why it matters:
Verstappen has a history of dismantling his teammates, from Pierre Gasly to Sergio Perez. Hadjar's self-aware, methodical approach represents a psychological shift from the overconfidence that has doomed his predecessors. How the young Frenchman handles the immense pressure of partnering the sport's dominant driver could define his entire F1 career and Red Bull's internal dynamic for 2026.
The details:
- Hadjar believes the winter break is his key opportunity. He intends to spend January and February working extensively in Red Bull's Milton Keynes simulator, stating, "It won’t be fun, but I do believe that’s where I can make the difference."
- His core strategy is to mentally prepare for being slower. He aims to accept he'll be beaten in the first month, arguing this prevents the "snowball effect" of frustration and shattered confidence that affected past teammates.
- Hadjar claims previous teammates made the mistake of thinking they were special and could beat Verstappen immediately, only to "get stomped over." He sees his own humility as a strategic advantage.
- He recognizes Verstappen's primary strength is his adaptability, noting the champion "doesn't have a driving style" but is "as good in next year's cars as he's on this year's car."
Looking Ahead:
While Hadjar is realistic about the challenge, he hasn't completely abandoned hope of competing with Verstappen, acknowledging the new 2026 regulations could potentially suit his driving style. However, his primary focus remains on the process: closing the gap through hard work and a measured mindset. The 2026 season will be a fascinating test of whether his psychological strategy can succeed where so many others have failed against Max Verstappen.