Jacques Villeneuve Backs Isack Hadjar for Red Bull Seat After 'Wow' Performances
Jacques Villeneuve endorses Isack Hadjar for Red Bull, praising his aggressive 'wow' driving style as ideal for the team's culture, despite noting inconsistencies in his rookie year. Hadjar sees the 2026 regulation reset as perfect timing for his promotion to partner Max Verstappen.
Former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve believes Isack Hadjar's aggressive and unpredictable driving style makes him a perfect fit for Red Bull's culture, as the French rookie prepares to partner Max Verstappen in 2026. Villeneuve highlighted Hadjar's flashes of brilliance in his debut season, which were sometimes followed by underwhelming performances behind teammate Liam Lawson.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's decision to promote Hadjar directly to the senior team, bypassing more experienced options like Yuki Tsunoda, signals a bold bet on raw talent and high-ceiling potential. With Verstappen established as the team's clear leader, Red Bull is seeking a dynamic, aggressive driver who can occasionally deliver spectacular results—a profile Villeneuve believes Hadjar fits perfectly.
The details:
- Villeneuve described Hadjar's 2025 season as "hit and miss," noting races that elicited "wow" reactions followed by others where he was outperformed by Racing Bulls teammate Liam Lawson.
- The 1997 champion specifically praised Hadjar's "very Red Bull way" of driving, calling it "very aggressive" and capable of producing "crazy races."
- Hadjar himself expressed excitement about the timing of his promotion, coinciding with F1's 2026 regulation reset, which he sees as a clean slate for everyone.
- The French driver stated he has "no expectations" for 2026, focusing instead on integrating with the team during winter preparations to gain an early advantage.
The big picture:
Red Bull's driver strategy continues to prioritize high-risk, high-reward talent. Hadjar's promotion follows the team's historical pattern of favoring drivers with explosive speed over consistent, but perhaps less spectacular, performers. This move also sidelines Yuki Tsunoda to a reserve role, demonstrating the relentless pressure within the Red Bull program and the premium placed on perceived championship-winning potential.
What's next:
All eyes will be on Hadjar's adaptation during 2026 pre-season testing. The new regulations provide a unique opportunity for a rookie, as all teams start from a more level playing field. His ability to manage the peaks and valleys of his performance, while handling the immense pressure of being Verstappen's teammate, will determine whether Villeneuve's endorsement proves prophetic or if Red Bull's gamble requires another swift change.