Doubts have emerged regarding Max Verstappen’s assessment of his Red Bull Racing teammate, Isack Hadjar, particularly concerning Hadjar’s race starts during the current 2026 Formula 1 season. The reported sentiment suggests Verstappen is questioning the team’s choice of driver.
Isack Hadjar was promoted to Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season, partnering Max Verstappen, following an impressive rookie year with Racing Bulls in 2025. His 2025 season included a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Verstappen initially supported Hadjar’s move, stating in January 2026 that the Frenchman ‘deserves’ the opportunity at the senior Red Bull team. This was in anticipation of the new 2026 regulations.
However, Hadjar’s 2026 campaign has presented challenges, notably with race starts. He has consistently lost positions on the opening lap in several Grands Prix. A significant anti-stall failure at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona saw him drop from sixth to thirteenth.
Max Verstappen has publicly addressed these issues, dismissing Hadjar’s occasional strong starts as ‘just luck.’ Verstappen’s comments imply that Hadjar may not be strictly adhering to the prescribed start procedure.
Verstappen’s remarks highlight his frustration with Red Bull’s ongoing launch problems, which he describes as complex and not attributable to a single fault. He has also voiced broader dissatisfaction with the 2026 car and regulations.
Despite these concerns, Hadjar has demonstrated progress. At the recent British Grand Prix on July 5, he qualified fifth, two positions ahead of Verstappen. He later suffered front wing damage during the race, which impacted his performance.
Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has praised Hadjar’s commitment and development. Mekies noted Hadjar’s strong weekend at Silverstone despite the wing issue, stating the team expects him to continue his progression.
Mekies highlighted Hadjar’s dedication, including moving to London in January and spending extensive time at the factory and in the simulator. He emphasized that Hadjar’s integration with the team has been maximized.
The second seat alongside Max Verstappen has historically been a challenging position within Red Bull, with previous drivers facing high expectations. Hadjar’s debut season with the senior team continues under scrutiny.
Verstappen himself has faced reliability issues with the RB22 this season, including rear wing failures at both the Austrian and British Grands Prix. His future with Red Bull beyond 2026 remains uncertain due to an active exit clause.
The team’s focus remains on addressing performance gaps and reliability concerns across both cars. Hadjar’s ongoing development is a key aspect of Red Bull’s 2026 season.
