Hamilton Unconcerned by Hadjar's Red Bull Promotion, Offers Advice
Lewis Hamilton shared his thoughts on Isack Hadjar's 2026 promotion to Red Bull Racing, stating he's not worried but hopes the team provides the right support. Hamilton acknowledged Hadjar's strong performance and the challenging environment at Red Bull, while Hadjar himself is preparing to accept initial slower pace alongside Max Verstappen. The F1 community will watch how Hadjar navigates this high-pressure role.
Lewis Hamilton isn't worried about Isack Hadjar's promotion to Red Bull Racing for 2026, but offered crucial advice on navigating the team's notoriously challenging environment. Hamilton emphasized Hadjar's impressive rookie year and expressed hope that Red Bull will provide the young Frenchman with the necessary support to thrive alongside Max Verstappen.
Why it matters:
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The details:
- Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull confirmed its 2026 F1 line-ups: Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad for Racing Bulls, and Isack Hadjar joining Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing.
- Hamilton praised Hadjar's "amazing job this year" and acknowledged his youth and ongoing learning curve.
- Red Bull Environment: Hamilton noted that from an outsider's perspective, the Red Bull environment can be "quite difficult" for drivers.
- He alluded to the experiences of past Red Bull teammates, including Yuki Tsunoda, suggesting a pattern where drivers, despite being talented, often face similar challenges.
- Hamilton's Hope: The seven-time world champion expressed his wish for Red Bull to make "changes made that provide him with the right support" to better accommodate Hadjar.
- Hadjar's Mindset: Isack Hadjar acknowledges the challenge of being Verstappen's teammate, stating his goal is to "accept that I'm going to be slower the first month." He believes this mindset will prepare him for the frustration of comparing his data to Verstappen's.
What's next:
Isack Hadjar will become Max Verstappen's seventh teammate at Red Bull Racing. Hamilton's comments highlight a perceived pattern at Red Bull, where even talented drivers often struggle to match Verstappen. The success of Hadjar's tenure will heavily depend on both his adaptability and Red Bull's willingness to provide an environment conducive to his development. The motorsport world will be watching closely to see if Hadjar can break the mold and establish himself as a strong contender alongside the reigning world champion.