Max Verstappen will be joined by Hadjar in 2026 and has already started praising his new teammate ahead of the start of the F1 season.
Hadjar faces a significant challenge in the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, as he teams up with four-time world champion Max Verstappen. It is no small task: over the past two years, three drivers who partnered with the Dutch star struggled to make a strong impression.
The most recent example was Yuki Tsunoda, who was sidelined in 2026 due to underwhelming results with Red Bull last season. The Japanese driver had replaced Lawson after just two races. However, Tsunoda’s demotion to Racing Bulls proved positive, allowing him to rebuild his confidence and deliver strong performances. This was not a matter of talent, but rather the immense pressure that comes with racing alongside Verstappen. Now, Hadjar aims to break that pattern.
Verstappen’s kind words for Hadjar
With the start of a new regulatory cycle, Hadjar hopes to be as close as possible to Verstappen, much like Sergio Perez in 2022. The Dutch champion has already expressed high praise for his new teammate. In the Up To Speed podcast, Verstappen said:
“He’s a really nice guy. Of course, when you start your second year, your mindset is completely different. I’m starting my twelfth season, so I’m a bit more relaxed. I’m sure we’ll get along very well. I’ve known him for a while, obviously, from the junior team and then from his Formula 1 career. So it’s absolutely not a problem.”
Verstappen also sees a reflection of his own early career in Hadjar:
“As a driver, you always have to believe you’re the best. That should always be the approach. When I started in Formula 1, I also thought that with the right car I could win the championship. That’s how I think. So I’m very happy with the approach I took in my first year. Being somewhere in the middle, fighting for points, but of course also making a few silly mistakes. I think it’s a good start.”
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