Isack Hadjar faces a major test in 2026: proving he deserves his seat at Red Bull, despite the so-called “curse” that has challenged many of the team’s second drivers in recent years.
Following his promotion to a full-time Red Bull seat for 2026, Isack Hadjar is expected to show that he belongs at the top. The French driver made his Formula 1 debut last year with Racing Bulls, impressing with his consistent performances and strong qualifying pace.
Although his season started with some difficulties, Isack Hadjar quickly adapted to the car, growing more confident with each race. His consistency and performances earned him recognition as one of the standout rookies of 2025.
Red Bull has now promoted him to partner Max Verstappen, the team’s star driver from Milton Keynes, after Yuki Tsunoda’s departure. For Red Bull, Isack Hadjar becomes the seventh driver to line up alongside the four-time world champion. The question remains: can he avoid the “second driver curse”?
Hadjar sees one factor working in his favor: the new technical regulations for 2026, which reset everything. With a brand-new car and power unit, he believes he has a real opportunity to shine.
“I don’t think there’s any reason why it shouldn’t go well,” Isack Hadjar told talkSPORT when asked about the so-called “curse.”
“It’s a completely new car, built from scratch. I’m reasonably quick, so yes, I’m very confident.”
Partnering a teammate like Max Verstappen is a challenge even for the most experienced drivers, as Sergio Pérez well knows from his time alongside Verstappen from 2021 to 2024. For 21-year-old Hadjar, the opportunity is huge, but he admits it will only feel “real” once he’s on track alongside the Dutch driver.
“So far, Max has been a good teammate, a great guy. But honestly, now I’m even more excited for what’s going to happen on track,” Isack Hadjar added, showing his determination for the 2026 season.
Isack Hadjar’s entry into the senior Red Bull team marks a bold return to the squad’s philosophy of promoting internal youth, but the shadow of the “second seat curse” remains a major talking point. By pointing to the 2026 regulatory reset as his greatest advantage, Isack Hadjar is framing his arrival as a fresh start where he won’t be fighting against a car specifically evolved for Verstappen’s unique preferences over several years. As the team transitions into the Ford-powered era, Isack Hadjar’s self-belief and rookie momentum from 2025 will be tested against the most relentless benchmark in the sport, making his debut one of the most anticipated narratives of the 2026 season.
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