Lewis Hamilton Voices Concerns Over Isack Hadjar's Red Bull Promotion

Lewis Hamilton has expressed significant concern regarding Isack Hadjar's move to Red Bull for the 2026 season, where he will partner Max Verstappen. Hadjar, set to have only 23 F1 starts under his belt, faces the daunting task of matching Verstappen, a challenge that has seen numerous talented drivers falter in recent years.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's second seat has become a notoriously difficult position in Formula 1. Since Daniel Ricciardo's departure in 2018, no driver has consistently matched Max Verstappen's performance or remained with the team for an extended period without significant pressure. Hadjar's promotion, while a recognition of his potential, raises questions about his ability to thrive in an environment where even experienced drivers like Sergio Perez have struggled.

The details:

• Hadjar's Promotion: Earlier this week, it was officially announced that Isack Hadjar would be promoted from Racing Bulls to Red Bull for his second F1 season in 2026, replacing Yuki Tsunoda.
• Verstappen's Teammate Turnover: Verstappen has had five different teammates since 2018: Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda. None have managed to consistently challenge him.
  • Gasly lasted half a season, Albon one-and-a-half, Perez four, Lawson two races, and Tsunoda 20.
• Hamilton's Worries: Lewis Hamilton told Viaplay that Hadjar's promotion "does worry me," acknowledging Hadjar's "amazing job this year" and "great approach," but highlighting the immense pressure of joining Red Bull alongside Verstappen.
• The Red Bull Environment: Hamilton noted, "We all know what happens when people go to Red Bull and the envelope that you're thrown into." He emphasized the difficulty of the situation from an outsider's perspective, despite not having experienced it himself.
• Support System: Hamilton expressed hope that "changes are made that provide him with the right support," suggesting that the team environment might need to adapt to help new drivers succeed.

The big picture:

The pattern of drivers struggling to perform alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull is well-established. This isn't just about raw speed; it's also about adapting to Verstappen's unique driving style and the team's car development, which often caters to his preferences. For a young driver like Hadjar, with minimal F1 experience, this challenge is amplified. The concern isn't just for Hadjar's immediate performance but for his long-term development in the sport if he faces the same fate as his predecessors.

What's next:

As Hadjar prepares for his transition to Red Bull, all eyes will be on how the team integrates him and what support structures are put in place. The success of this promotion will heavily depend on whether Red Bull can break its pattern of quickly cycling through teammates and provide Hadjar with the stability and resources needed to grow. Hamilton's comments underscore a wider sentiment within the paddock about the formidable task awaiting the young Frenchman.