Red Bull Sets Clear Expectation for Isack Hadjar: Control Emotions
Isack Hadjar is set to join Red Bull Racing, with advisor Helmut Marko stressing the need for emotional control as Hadjar steps into the high-pressure role. Despite concerns about his temper, Hadjar's talent and recent performances have earned him the promotion, and he will now face the challenge of performing consistently alongside Max Verstappen while managing Red Bull's rigorous expectations.
Isack Hadjar is stepping into a high-pressure role as a Red Bull Racing driver, beginning with testing Pirelli's 2026 tires. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has emphasized that Hadjar must learn to control his emotions, especially after incidents where frustration led to visible outbursts, highlighting the tough mental demands of partnering with Max Verstappen and thriving in Red Bull's stringent driver development program.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's driver development program is notoriously rigorous, with a clear "up-or-out" philosophy. For Hadjar, moving into one of F1's most demanding seats alongside Max Verstappen, managing emotions and delivering consistent performance is paramount. His success or failure will not only impact his career but also Red Bull's strategic lineup and championship aspirations, particularly as they aim to challenge for both drivers' and constructors' titles.
The details:
- Emotional Control: Helmut Marko publicly stated that Hadjar's primary area for improvement is controlling his emotions, noting, "The steering wheel has no fault, I would say," referencing instances where Hadjar expressed frustration by hitting his steering wheel.
- Incident History: Hadjar's frustration has been evident after on-track incidents, such as spinning out of qualifying in Qatar and hitting a wall, or a prior crash during the formation lap of the Australian Grand Prix.
- Underlying Talent: Despite emotional outbursts, Hadjar has consistently shown pace and the ability to adapt quickly to new tracks, which has impressed Red Bull management.
- Unexpected Promotion: Hadjar's recent promotion to Red Bull Racing, replacing Yuki Tsunoda, was a surprise to some, especially after initial doubts within Red Bull's leadership about his readiness for F1. The decision was reportedly solidified after his strong podium finish in Zandvoort.
- Team Support Issues: Hadjar has missed potential points finishes due to team errors (e.g., a one-stop vs. two-stop strategy mix-up in China) and equipment failures (e.g., engine issues, front wing disassembly in Qatar).
Between the lines:
Marko's public comments, while critical, also reveal a nuanced approach to Hadjar. While not offering direct praise to the driver, Marko has highlighted Hadjar's raw talent to the media, indicating a strategic blend of "tough love" and underlying belief in his abilities. This mirrors Red Bull's historical approach to nurturing competitive drivers.
What's next:
Now that Hadjar has been promoted, the pressure intensifies. He will need to internalize Marko's feedback on emotional control and maintain the strong on-track performance that earned him this opportunity. Adapting to the Red Bull car and the heightened scrutiny that comes with being Max Verstappen's teammate, while contributing significantly to the constructors' championship, will be his next major challenge. His journey begins with testing the 2026 Pirelli tires, a crucial first step in his new role.