Dec.22 (GMM) As Isack Hadjar gets ready for his first season alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, the quadruple world champion has made it clear what he believes works best at the sharp end of Formula 1.
Speaking to Viaplay, Verstappen said rival McLaren paid a price in 2025 for not enforcing a clear pecking order between its title contenders.
“If I were team principal, I would always establish a clear number 1 and 2,” Verstappen said. “When you’re on your own, you can attack and be much more aggressive. That’s always my preference.”
With new champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri fighting each other for wins, Verstappen believes opportunities were lost.
“Since McLaren had two drivers fighting for the title, they gave away some opportunities with their strategy,” he explained. “Of course, we benefited from that as well. McLaren was sometimes too conservative.”
Verstappen finished just 2 points behind Norris in the final standings and insists the title fight remained open largely because McLaren never chose a clear leader. Even so, he stressed that a supporting driver still has a crucial job.
“The number 2 still has to score enough points for the constructors’ championship,” he said – a pointed remark after Red Bull relied almost entirely on Verstappen’s points haul in 2025.
That context frames Hadjar’s promotion for 2026. Red Bull chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff endorses the move, saying: “Isack Hadjar gets a chance next to Max. This suits Red Bull – we find the best talents for the best positions.”
Hadjar himself is under no illusions. Speaking to Italy’s Formula Passion, the young Frenchman struck a notably measured tone.
“Of course I want to be as fast as Max,” he said. “But it’s dangerous to think I’ll come to Red Bull and immediately race at his level. The likelihood of being able to compete with Max is minimal.”
Instead, Hadjar says his plan is to accept the gap early on and learn.
“It’s better to accept now that I’ll be slower for the first few months,” he explained. “That way I can work on myself, study his telemetry and understand exactly where I’m losing to him.”
Hadjar also has high-profile backing at home. In a Canal Plus feature, Alain Prost praised the 21-year-old’s character and individuality.
“He has a very strong personality, so he doesn’t need to look like anyone else,” Prost said. “It might not appeal to everyone, but it’s incredibly interesting to see how he acts – and above all, the performances that follow.”
Prost even offered personal support, telling Hadjar he would be happy to advise him on managing the pressures of Formula 1. “I’ll never give you advice on car setup,” the four-time champion smiled, “but on managing what I’ve experienced – I’ll do that for you, because I like you.”
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