Red Bull’s French Sophomore Is Ready to Break the Curse
Isack Hadjar’s impressive rookie season earned him a promotion to the infamous second Red Bull seat for 2026. The seat has had high turnover since Daniel Ricciardo gave it up for a spot at Renault. Five drivers have occupied the seat in seven seasons, and all five were eventually dropped. Factors such as the ruthless team environment and a car built to favor Max Verstappen’s driving style are often cited when explaining the struggles of being the four-time champion's teammate. However, 2026 introduces several changes that will allow Hadjar to make a leap in his sophomore season and break the curse of his new job.
The names most notably associated with the harsh environment at Red Bull are no longer with the team. The 2025 season saw Christian Horner leave his team principal position, and Helmut Marko step down from his advisory role. Hadjar was personally introduced to the lack of tact possessed by Marko in his first grand prix weekend, when the 82-year-old called the debutant embarrassing. There is another relevant exit to mention in Adrian Newey. The new regulation cycle means that the RB22 is the first Red Bull in two decades to be free of Newey's influence. 2026 will also be the first power unit developed by the Milton Keynes side after their split with Honda. The team's first in-house built engine has shown early promise, which will benefit Hadjar. New design philosophy, a team leadership reshuffle, and a regulations refresh neutralize the challenges faced by the quintet of fired drivers before him.
Sergio Perez and Alex Albon both had some advice for the young Frenchman, having felt the weight of the second Red Bull seat themselves. Perez, the only Red Bull driver not named Max Verstappen to win a grand prix since 2018, backs Hadjar. Stating that the Red Bull drive is a massive opportunity, the Mexican driver emphasized the importance of staying calm. Albon had similarly positive sentiments, admitting that Hadjar is quick. The Thai driver added that new regulations will serve as an equalizer, with everyone on the grid adjusting to a new car.
One challenge that is not going away for Hadjar is the relentless pace of his teammate, Max Verstappen. As his more senior colleagues both mentioned, the 21-year-old is quick and capable. The 2025 season was marked by impressive performances, highlighted by a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix. Consistency is not usually a quality attributed to rookies, but Hadjar had it. He consistently outqualified his teammate, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda, who was driving for the senior team. Towards the end of last season, it was common to see the Parisian within a few tenths of his new teammate on a Saturday, while driving lesser machinery. When Hadjar lines up in 2026 with equal machinery surrounded by the new look Red Bull management structure, he will be ready to dispel the curse of his seat.
