Title: Isack Hadjar’s Bold Admission: Embracing Max Verstappen’s Supremacy is the Key to Success at Red Bull!
In a shocking revelation that could change the dynamics of Formula 1, Isack Hadjar, the newly-promoted Red Bull driver, has openly acknowledged the undeniable superiority of Max Verstappen as he gears up for the 2026 season. Hadjar, stepping into the formidable shoes of Yuki Tsunoda, is ready to face the daunting challenge of being teammate to a four-time world champion, and his mindset may just be his secret weapon.
Hadjar’s ascent to the Red Bull Racing team was announced in a whirlwind of excitement just before the season finale in Abu Dhabi, following an impressive rookie season with Racing Bulls where he clinched a remarkable third place at Zandvoort. His consistent point-scoring performances caught the attention of Red Bull’s decision-makers, paving the way for his promotion to the elite team. However, the pressure of living up to Verstappen’s legacy looms large.
In an unprecedented approach, Hadjar is determined to embrace the frustration that comes with being slower than Verstappen initially. “I’m going to Red Bull with the mindset that it will be very tough,” he stated candidly. This refreshing honesty reveals a level of maturity rarely seen in young drivers entering the cutthroat world of F1. Instead of succumbing to the typical bravado, Hadjar is preparing himself mentally for a challenging start, ready to face the data and performance metrics that may showcase his initial shortcomings.
Hadjar’s awareness of the competitive landscape is sharp. Over the past seven years, Red Bull has struggled to find a driver who can keep pace with Verstappen. From Pierre Gasly to Yuki Tsunoda, many have fallen short, with only Sergio Perez managing to withstand the relentless pressure—until the developments of the RB20 led to his own decline. Now, Hadjar steps into this complex environment, but with a unique advantage: a complete overhaul of the car regulations means that both he and Verstappen will be starting afresh.
“It’s the best timing by far,” Hadjar expressed, highlighting his fortune to join Red Bull during such a pivotal moment. With no prior experience in the new car, he believes this gives him a fighting chance, even if he acknowledges that Verstappen’s adaptability remains a formidable challenge. “He adapts to what he’s given, and that’s what makes him strong,” Hadjar conceded, recognizing that the Dutch driver’s talent transcends car specifications.
Hadjar’s realistic approach is a breath of fresh air in a sport often filled with inflated egos. He openly admits, “If you go into that mindset, you accept already that it’s going to be very tough.” This perspective could be the key to avoiding the mental pitfalls that have plagued his predecessors. By accepting that he may fall short initially and focusing on gradual improvement, Hadjar aims to break the cycle of failure that has haunted the second seat at Red Bull.
His self-critical nature has already set him apart. With an intense desire to maximize his performance, Hadjar holds himself to high standards, often feeling disappointed with anything less than perfection. “Always in qualifying, I’m always mad because I didn’t get the perfect lap,” he noted, revealing the pressure he places on himself. Yet, this self-awareness may be what makes him a fitting partner for Verstappen, as he balances ambition with the reality of the situation.
As the 2026 season approaches, Isack Hadjar’s journey at Red Bull is poised to be one of resilience and growth. By accepting the challenges that come with being Max Verstappen’s teammate, he may just find the path to success that so many before him have struggled to navigate. The world will be watching closely as Hadjar embarks on this high-stakes adventure in the relentless arena of Formula 1. Can he rise to the occasion, or will he be yet another name lost in Verstappen’s shadow? Only time will tell.









