Isack Hadjar on Breaking the Verstappen Teammate Curse
Incoming Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar says his plan to succeed alongside Max Verstappen is simple: be "unbelievably quick" and work closely with the team, avoiding the fate of previous teammates.
Isack Hadjar, Red Bull's newly announced driver for 2026, is acutely aware of the so-called "Verstappen teammate curse" that has seen several talented drivers struggle. The Frenchman's strategy to avoid a similar fate is straightforward: be "unbelievably quick" and integrate deeply with the team. He acknowledges that matching the four-time champion won't be easy but believes a focused, hard-working approach is the only path to success.
Why it matters:
The Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen has become one of the most high-pressure positions in motorsport. A string of capable drivers—including Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Sergio Perez—have seen their careers falter while trying to match the Dutchman's blistering pace. Hadjar's ability to break this pattern is crucial not only for his own career but also for Red Bull's continued dominance, as the team needs a strong second driver to consistently challenge for and secure the constructors' championship.
The details:
- The "Key" to Success: When asked about his mindset, Hadjar dismissed a purely mental approach, stating, "The key is to be unbelievably quick, good outside the car, working with the boys. That’s the only way you’re going to get there."
- Proactive Integration: Instead of taking a long holiday, Hadjar plans to spend January and February at Red Bull's Milton Keynes base. He believes this is where he'll "make the difference" by working extensively in the simulator while the 2026 car is still in development, allowing him to influence its direction.
- Leveraging Verstappen: The Frenchman has already built a rapport with his future teammate, seeking technical advice from Verstappen during driver's parades last season. He noted the four-time champion is "very open" and plans to continue learning from him.
What's next:
The 2026 season represents a massive opportunity for Hadjar, as new technical regulations will level the playing field and potentially reduce the inherent advantages of the established top teams. All eyes will be on the Frenchman during pre-season testing and the early races to see if his diligent preparation can translate into on-track performance. If he can run competitively close to Verstappen, it would be one of the most significant stories of the new F1 era.