Villeneuve: Hadjar's aggressive style a perfect fit for Red Bull alongside Verstappen
Jacques Villeneuve endorses Red Bull's decision to pair Max Verstappen with Isack Hadjar for 2026, citing the rookie's aggressive and flashy driving style as a perfect match for the team's ethos. While acknowledging Hadjar's inconsistent debut season, Villeneuve believes his fearless attitude and the timing of the 2026 regulation changes create an ideal opportunity for success.
Jacques Villeneuve believes Isack Hadjar's aggressive and unpredictable driving style makes him an ideal teammate for Max Verstappen at Red Bull starting in 2026. The 1997 world champion argues that while Hadjar's rookie season was inconsistent, his flashes of brilliance and fearless attitude align perfectly with the team's competitive DNA.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's choice of a teammate for Verstappen has been one of the sport's most scrutinized decisions in recent years. Selecting a 21-year-old rookie like Hadjar represents a significant gamble, but one that Villeneuve sees as strategically sound given the team's culture and the impending 2026 regulation reset, which could level the playing field for newcomers.
The details:
- Villeneuve described Hadjar's 2025 rookie season as "hit and miss," noting "some crazy races" where his performance was spectacular, mixed with others where he was outperformed by teammate Liam Lawson.
- He specifically highlighted Hadjar's "very aggressive" approach as a "very Red Bull way now," suggesting the team values that high-risk, high-reward mentality.
- The young Frenchman himself appears unfazed by the pressure, telling reporters in Abu Dhabi that the promotion is a reward for hard work and the "beginning of a new journey."
- Hadjar views the 2026 regulatory overhaul as perfect timing, stating he has "no expectations" because everyone will be "starting from scratch," and is focused on integrating with the team early to gain an advantage.
What's next:
The real test begins in early 2026. Hadjar's immediate focus is on the winter months, aiming to build crucial relationships within the team before the new car hits the track. His success will hinge on his ability to channel his aggressive speed into consistent results, smoothing out the lows that marked his rookie year while maintaining the explosive highs that caught Red Bull's eye. If he can achieve that balance, Red Bull may have secured a long-term contender alongside its reigning champion.