Steiner: 2026 Rules Give Hadjar an Edge Against Verstappen
Guenther Steiner believes the 2026 regulations will give Isack Hadjar a crucial advantage as Max Verstappen's new teammate, allowing them to start from scratch unlike previous drivers.
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner believes incoming Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar will have a significant advantage over Max Verstappen's previous teammates thanks to the 2026 regulation reset. Steiner argues that starting from a clean slate with a new car will allow the talented Frenchman to develop alongside the three-time world champion, rather than playing catch-up in a machine Verstappen already mastered.
Why it matters:
The role of Verstappen's teammate is notoriously one of the most difficult in Formula 1, with previous drivers struggling to match the Dutchman's pace and often being relegated to a supporting role. Steiner's comments suggest Red Bull may have finally signed a driver they believe can genuinely challenge Verstappen, not just support him. The 2026 rules reset represents a rare opportunity to reset the team's dynamic and potentially foster a more competitive internal environment, which could be crucial for the team's long-term success.
The details:
- A Clean Slate: Steiner emphasized to Austrian outlet Krone that the 2026 regulations mean both Verstappen and Hadjar will begin with a brand-new car, leveling the playing field from the outset. "He has the advantage of the new regulations. This allows him to start from scratch with Max," Steiner explained.
- Learning from the Past: He contrasted this with the situations of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, who were "put in a car with which Max had a lot of experience, and they weren’t able to catch up quickly."
- Talent and Belief: The former team boss stressed that Red Bull sees genuine potential in Hadjar, stating the team's goal is to find a talent who "can become nearly as good as Max."
- Competitive Context: Steiner also noted that the overall F1 grid is so closely matched that this reset, combined with Hadjar's talent, gives him "better conditions" to succeed compared to his predecessors.
What's next:
Hadjar, who impressed in his rookie 2025 season with a podium at the Dutch Grand Prix and outperforming teammate Lawson, is set to replace Tsunoda in 2026. All eyes will be on the 21-year-old during pre-season testing and the early races to see if he can translate this theoretical advantage into on-track performance. His ability to adapt to the new regulations and challenge Verstappen from the start will be a major storyline defining Red Bull's 2026 campaign.