P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Isack Hadjar is Max Verstappen’s new team-mate at Red Bull in 2026. Whilst everyone agrees he faces an immense challenge, he does not need to follow the same path as his predecessors and be crushed by the four-time F1 champion.
In late 2025, Isack Hadjar’s dream became a reality with a promotion to Red Bull after an impressive debut season, replacing Yuki Tsunoda. Despite a rocky start with a crash on his F1 debut, Hadjar managed to score points in 11 out of 23 races, even securing a podium finish at the Dutch GP. Red Bull’s management recognized his talent and offered him a life-changing opportunity. Facing the formidable Max Verstappen, Hadjar knows he’s in for a challenge but is determined to make the most of it. The new F1 regulations offer hope for Hadjar, as both he and Verstappen will be starting fresh with the new cars and engines, giving him a chance to level the playing field. If Hadjar can emulate Sergio Pérez’s early success against Verstappen, Red Bull should be pleased with his performance in 2026.
