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Red Bull’s shocking gamble on Isack Hadjar: can he survive under Max Verstappen’s shadow?

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
January 9, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Red Bull’s shocking gamble on Isack Hadjar: can he survive under Max Verstappen’s shadow?

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 09: Isack Hadjar of France driving the (6) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 in the Pitlane during F1 Testing at Yas Marina Circuit on December 09, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Zak Mauger/LAT Images) // Getty Images // SI202512090315 // Usage for editorial use only //

Title: Is Red Bull Taking a Dangerous Gamble with Isack Hadjar?

In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, Red Bull Racing has announced that Isack Hadjar will be the seventh driver to team up with the formidable Max Verstappen. This decision, however, has raised eyebrows and sparked a heated debate over whether Hadjar is truly ready for the immense pressure that comes with being Verstappen’s teammate.

Former Alpine executive director Marcin Budkowski has openly questioned the wisdom behind Red Bull’s latest decision, labeling it a “big risk.” Hadjar, who only made his Formula 1 debut last season, is set to fill the shoes of Yuki Tsunoda, who has now been relegated to the role of reserve driver for the 2026 season. The stakes couldn’t be higher, especially considering the history of Verstappen’s teammates – with all but one succumbing to the relentless demands of racing alongside a four-time world champion.

Hadjar’s journey to this pivotal role has been nothing short of remarkable. After a shaky start that included a crash during the formation lap of his inaugural race in Australia, he quickly proved his mettle by consistently qualifying for Q3 and earning points. His standout moment came at Zandvoort, where he clinched a stunning podium finish, leaving many in the paddock astonished.

Yet, as he prepares to step into this high-pressure environment, Budkowski remains cautious. In a recent episode of the RacingNews365 podcast, he expressed his belief that while Hadjar has the talent and speed to succeed, it might be premature for him to take on such a significant challenge. “I think he deserves a chance,” Budkowski stated, “but we’ve seen Red Bull launch drivers into the main team very quickly. It worked with Max, but it hasn’t really worked well with anyone since then. That’s the big risk.”

The pressing question looms: can Hadjar withstand the relentless competition and the weight of expectations that come with partnering Verstappen? Budkowski notes that while Hadjar possesses the necessary skills, the true test will come when he faces the inevitable defeats at the hands of his more experienced teammate. “We will only find that out next year when he starts to get beaten by Max,” he cautioned.

As fans and analysts alike await the unfolding drama of the 2026 F1 season, one thing is clear: Red Bull’s gamble on Isack Hadjar could either propel him to greatness or lead to yet another cautionary tale of a promising talent swallowed by the pressures of F1. The racing world will be watching closely as this saga unfolds. Will Hadjar rise to the occasion, or will he become another casualty in the unforgiving world of Formula 1? Only time will tell.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-seasonisack-hadjar-2max-verstappen-enoracle-red-bull-racing
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