2026 Regulations Give Isack Hadjar a Key Advantage Against Max Verstappen

Isack Hadjar is stepping into the most challenging seat in Formula 1 alongside Max Verstappen, but he may have a crucial advantage his predecessors lacked. According to Guenther Steiner, the massive 2026 regulation reset provides a "blank canvas," allowing Hadjar to start from scratch with the four-time champion. This could prevent him from falling into the same trap as drivers who were handed a car already tailored to Verstappen's preferences.

Why it matters:

The Red Bull second seat has become a career graveyard since Daniel Ricciardo's departure. A successful partnership with Verstappen is essential for the team's long-term dominance and constructor's championship ambitions. Hadjar's ability to perform could validate Red Bull's driver development program and provide a credible long-term teammate for their star driver, something they've struggled to find.

The details:

• Since 2018, only Sergio Perez has lasted more than two seasons in the Red Bull second seat, with others like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon struggling to adapt.
• Guenther Steiner notes that drivers like Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda were "put in a car with which Max had a lot of experience, and they weren't able to catch up quickly."
• The 2026 regulations, which overhaul chassis and power units, mean the new Red Bull will not be pre-developed for Verstappen's driving style.
• Hadjar himself acknowledged this, stating the new rules make it the "best time to make the step to the top team."
• This allows him to either grow with the car's development or actively influence its design direction from the very beginning, a luxury no recent teammate has had.

What's next:

The ultimate test will be on track in 2026. While the regulations provide a theoretical advantage, Hadjar must still prove he has the raw speed and adaptability to handle the pressure of racing for a top team. As Steiner puts it, Red Bull's clear mandate is to find a talent they believe can become "nearly as good as Max." Hadjar's performance will determine if he can be that driver or if the second-seat curse continues.