Hadjar Confident Ahead of Red Bull Promotion, Dismisses 'Second Seat Curse'

Isack Hadjar is set to become Max Verstappen's seventh teammate at Red Bull in 2026, stepping up after a solid debut season with Racing Bulls. Despite the notorious "curse" associated with being Verstappen's number two—where only Daniel Ricciardo managed to avoid a career decline—Hadjar remains confident. He cites the fresh start provided by the new 2026 power unit regulations and a car built from scratch as key factors in his favor.

Why it matters:

The Red Bull second seat has become a psychological and professional graveyard for many drivers. With Sergio Perez's recent struggles and the previous exits of Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, the pressure on Hadjar is immense. His ability to handle Verstappen's pace without crumbling will be crucial for Red Bull's constructors' championship ambitions and could define the trajectory of his own F1 career.

The details:

• Breaking the Cycle: Hadjar is the latest to attempt to coexist with the four-time world champion. Historically, most partners have suffered a dramatic downward spiral in performance and confidence.
• The 2026 Advantage: The Frenchman believes the new regulations are a game-changer. With Red Bull designing an entirely new car (the RB22) from the ground up, the playing field is leveled compared to developing an existing chassis.
• Self-Belief: When asked by talkSPORT if he feared the reputation of the seat, Hadjar was blunt: "I'm fast enough." He feels there is no reason the partnership shouldn't work.
• Waiting for Reality: While Verstappen has been a "good guy" off-track so far, Hadjar knows the real test begins when they start comparing telemetry data. He admits the magnitude of the role will only truly sink in once they are on track together.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the pre-season testing in 2026 to see if Hadjar's confidence is justified. If he can adapt quickly to the new regulations and challenge Verstappen, he could finally end the "curse." If not, he risks becoming just another name in the long list of drivers who failed to survive alongside the Dutch dominance.