Isack Hadjar has started his tenure at Red Bull Racing with promising signs after being confirmed as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2026 Formula 1 season, replacing Yuki Tsunoda. The French driver, who kept a low profile during the off-season, is quickly adapting to the demanding environment at one of F1’s leading teams, showing early compatibility and focus.
Hadjar’s Positive Adaptation Inside Red Bull’s Environment
Hadjar expressed his comfort working within Red Bull Racing’s intense setup.
“As a guy like me who really enjoys the hard work, I felt a bit more comfortable here,”
he said.
“I’m very, very happy working with these guys who are very committed to winning. I’m very happy to be here. I’m very lucky.”
He also noted the smooth nature of his transition and even suggested he feels more at ease now than during his time with the sister team Racing Bulls.
Healthy Collaboration with Champion Teammate Max Verstappen
Hadjar confirmed a constructive working relationship with reigning world champion Max Verstappen, emphasizing open communication and data sharing. Speaking to Auto Hebdo, he revealed,
“He doesn’t withhold any information from me and answers all my questions. And since he always performs well on the track, our data can be easily compared.”
This transparency, Hadjar believes, is invaluable for his development.
“For me, it’s important that what the driver says matches the data. That helps my development a lot,”
he added.
Support from Former Verstappen Teammates Encourages Confidence
Two ex-teammates of Verstappen, Alexander Albon and Sergio Perez, have voiced their support for Hadjar’s potential success amid forthcoming regulation changes. Albon commented,
“I think Isack is a fast driver, and the rule change in 2026 is a good thing for him – it’s a clean slate for everyone. From what I’ve seen so far, he seems quite comfortable in the car. He’ll have a lot to learn, having a very fast teammate like Max, but I think he’ll do quite well.”
Perez also endorsed Hadjar’s readiness:
“He is ready to go to Red Bull. With such a change in regulations, I think Isack is a very talented driver. If he keeps a cool head throughout the year, he’ll have a long and successful F1 career. Being Max’s teammate at Red Bull, in a very good team, is a huge opportunity.”
Realistic Assessment of Team Performance Amid Optimism
Hadjar provides a candid evaluation of Red Bull’s current competitiveness, acknowledging the challenges ahead.
“What’s certain is that we’re not the fastest,”
he said, suggesting that the team might be the fourth strongest after Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren as they approach the opening race in Melbourne. He views an eighth-place finish not as a failure, but a reasonable initial benchmark given the circumstances.
Despite these challenges, Hadjar remains hopeful about Red Bull’s reliability and race pace.
“Our reliability is good and the race pace looks solid,”
he remarked.
“I expect, at least at the start of the season, that we will be more competitive in the race than in qualifying.”
Looking Ahead to the Season
As Hadjar settles into his role, his balanced perspective and early promising signs suggest a productive partnership with Verstappen and potential growth in Red Bull’s lineup. The combination of strong teamwork, detailed feedback, and strategic development leaves the team optimistic about the 2026 campaign’s prospects.
