Isack Hadjar Poised to Break the 'Max Verstappen Curse' at Red Bull in 2026
Isack Hadjar is set to join Red Bull in 2026 as Max Verstappen's teammate, a role that has historically proven challenging for many drivers. However, Hadjar might be uniquely positioned to succeed due to significant 2026 rule changes, offering a fresh start with newly designed cars. Additionally, a potentially more supportive team environment under Laurent Mekies could provide the French driver the necessary space to develop and thrive, breaking the 'Max Verstappen curse' that has plagued previous teammates.
Since 2018, five drivers—Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, and Liam Lawson—have struggled to match Max Verstappen's performance at Red Bull, ultimately leading to their departure or demotion. Yuki Tsunoda recently joined this list. However, Isack Hadjar, set to become Verstappen's teammate in 2026 after a remarkable rookie season, might be the one to break this pattern. The radical rule changes for 2026 and a new team environment at Red Bull could provide Hadjar with a unique opportunity to succeed where others have failed.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's cars have historically been tailored to Verstappen's aggressive driving style, making it incredibly difficult for teammates to adapt and perform. This consistent struggle has earned it the moniker "the Max Verstappen curse." If Hadjar can successfully navigate this challenge, it would not only signify a major personal triumph but also mark a significant shift in Red Bull's driver development and team dynamics, potentially fostering a more balanced competitive environment within the team.
The big picture:
- Verstappen's Tailored Cars: Since 2019, Red Bull's chassis designs have increasingly catered to Verstappen's preference for a "razor-sharp nose" that offers instant response on corner entry. This characteristic, while maximizing Verstappen's speed, often makes the car overly nervous and unpredictable for other drivers, hindering their ability to find a rhythm.
- The 2026 Rule Revolution: The upcoming 2026 season introduces unprecedented simultaneous changes to both chassis and power unit regulations. This "clean sheet of paper" scenario means all teams, including Red Bull, will be developing entirely new cars. This levels the playing field for new drivers like Hadjar, allowing him to grow with the car's development rather than having to adapt to a machine already optimized for Verstappen's established style.
- These changes will impact setup, racecraft, and energy deployment, forcing a re-evaluation of fundamental racing principles.
- A New Red Bull Era: The internal environment at Red Bull has also undergone significant changes. The departure of long-standing figures and the arrival of Laurent Mekies, who has a proven track record of nurturing young talent from his time at Racing Bulls and Ferrari, signals a potentially more supportive and developmental culture. This contrasts sharply with the "uneasy truce" and internal strife that characterized the team during Liam Lawson's brief, ill-fated stint.
What's next:
Isack Hadjar's arrival in 2026 will coincide with the biggest technical overhaul in Formula 1 history. This unique timing, combined with a potentially more nurturing team environment under Laurent Mekies, offers Hadjar a genuine chance to forge his own path at Red Bull.
- If Hadjar can adapt to the new regulations and leverage the team's evolving support structure, he could break the long-standing pattern of teammates struggling against Verstappen. His success would not only be a personal victory but could also redefine what it means to be Verstappen's teammate, moving beyond the "curse" narrative.