Isack Hadjar's key strength as he prepares to face the Max Verstappen test at Red Bull
Isack Hadjar brings a grounded and self-critical mindset to his new role as Max Verstappen's Red Bull teammate. His pragmatic acceptance of the challenge and relentless drive to improve could be key assets in a position where many talented drivers have previously struggled.
Isack Hadjar will become Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull Racing next season, stepping into a role where predecessors like Pierre Gasly, Alexander Albon, and Sergio Perez have struggled. The young Frenchman's greatest asset heading into this daunting challenge appears to be a grounded, composed, and relentlessly self-critical mindset, which could be crucial for surviving and growing alongside the sport's dominant force.
Why it matters:
Being Verstappen's teammate has been a career-defining—and often career-limiting—test in modern Formula 1. Hadjar's promotion represents the latest attempt by Red Bull to find a driver who can handle the immense pressure, provide consistent feedback, and potentially support the team in a championship fight without crumbling under the comparison. His mental approach will be as critical as his raw speed.
The Details:
- Realistic Self-Assessment: In media discussions, including with GPblog, Hadjar has openly acknowledged that being slower than Verstappen initially is a natural expectation. This pragmatic acceptance of the performance gap contrasts with the pressure-cooker environment some previous teammates entered.
- Strategic Patience: When discussing his promotion earlier in the season, Hadjar displayed notable level-headedness. He did not aggressively lobby for the seat, instead recognizing the value of entering with the 2026 regulation change, which offers a "clean slate"—an advantage only Sergio Perez had when he joined the team in 2021.
- A Driver's Drive: Post-session interviews have revealed a driver with clear goals and a tendency to be harsh on himself. After scoring points in the Abu Dhabi season finale, his focus was on disappointment over not helping Racing Bulls achieve a better constructors' championship position, not personal celebration.
- The Predecessor Context: The article notes that Daniel Ricciardo, Gasly, Albon, Perez, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda have all ultimately been let go by Red Bull after being outperformed by Verstappen, framing the immense historical difficulty of the role Hadjar is entering.
Looking Ahead:
No one expects Hadjar to defeat Verstappen in 2026. The true test will be whether his composed mindset allows him to develop steadily, provide reliable technical feedback during a major regulatory shift, and carve out a sustainable role within the team. If his self-critical hunger translates into measurable progress rather than frustration, he may break the cycle of short-lived Verstappen teammates.