Red Bull Racing has demonstrated early dominance in the 2026 Formula 1 season after the initial pre-season testing in Bahrain, with Max Verstappen continuing to set the standard in energy management. The challenge now lies with Red Bull’s new driver Isack Hadjar, who is learning to adopt Verstappen’s advanced techniques to keep pace.
For years, competitors have focused heavily on Verstappen due to his remarkable success, winning four of the last five drivers’ titles. Meanwhile, other Red Bull drivers like Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda have struggled to match his pace, notably towards the end of their seasons.
Hadjar’s Progress in Adopting Verstappen’s Driving Method
Isack Hadjar, who impressed during his debut season with Racing Bulls, has taken on the immense task of closing the gap with Verstappen under the new 2026 regulations. Red Bull remains cautious about Hadjar’s consistency but hopes the new rules offer a chance to level the playing field.
The complexity of managing energy and active aerodynamics in the latest Formula 1 cars has posed challenges for drivers, making technique crucial for success. Scott Mitchell-Malm, a respected motorsport journalist, has been observing Hadjar closely during the Bahrain tests. He noted that while Hadjar initially struggled with the instability caused by downshifts, lower gears, and high revs, he showed considerable improvement over time.
Mitchell-Malm explained,
“Hadjar had a bit more movement in the car as well when I was watching at [turns] 10 and 11 with him in it. Although I will say, what was quite encouraging from a Hadjar perspective is he didn’t seem to be able to deal with the instability from that downshift and the lower gears and the high revs, as well as Verstappen at the start of the test. But, by the end, and you could see it progressing through stints as well, it felt like he was getting a reasonable handle on how to adjust to that. I was quite encouraged that Hadjar’s having a reasonably good integration into the Red Bull.”
– Scott Mitchell-Malm, Journalist
Red Bull’s Strategic Testing Schedule for Bahrain
This year’s Formula 1 testing schedule has tripled in volume compared to previous seasons, yet teams remain pressed for time as the Australian Grand Prix approaches. According to De Telegraaf, Hadjar is set to drive the RB22 car on Wednesday and during the Friday morning session, while Verstappen will take over on Thursday and Friday afternoon.
This division of track time allows Hadjar to focus on mastering the high-rev technique essential for efficient battery charging every lap, a method Verstappen has refined over years. Hadjar has expressed admiration for Verstappen and is already setting ambitious targets, aiming to secure his first Grand Prix victory in 2026.
It should be noted that Verstappen has not been outperformed by any Red Bull teammate since Sergio Perez’s win at the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, underscoring the difficulty of Hadjar’s goal. Despite this, Hadjar’s determination to match Verstappen’s level makes him a driver to watch closely in the coming races.
The Stakes for Hadjar and Red Bull in 2026
The ability to harness Max Verstappen’s energy management skill is critical for Isack Hadjar’s success and for Red Bull’s continued edge in Formula 1. As the season unfolds, mastering this high-rev, high-energy driving style will likely play a defining role in championship contention.
Hadjar’s rapid adaptation and increasing control over the more unstable aspects of the car’s dynamic could signal a shift in intra-team competition. For Red Bull, balancing support between their proven champion and promising newcomer will be essential to maintain their competitive advantage.
With key races approaching, the progress exhibited during Bahrain testing offers insight into how the battle for seats and victories may evolve over 2026, with Hadjar’s development standing as one of the season’s most compelling storylines.
