Hadjar defies Red Bull curse with confident debut

Isack Hadjar, 2025 Racing Bulls rookie, took Red Bull's second seat for 2026, replacing Yuki Tsunoda. After an eighth‑place finish in Shanghai - his only point so far - he told F1 he's not intimidated by the team's 'second‑seat curse.' "If I believe I'm good, I'm good," he said, noting the first three races matched his expectations.

Why it matters:

Red Bull’s second driver has historically lagged Verstappen, which reduces the team’s ability to pressure title rivals. A strong partner can accelerate car development and keep the championship battle alive.

The details:

• Seat change – Hadjar replaces Tsunoda after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
• Shanghai performance – Finished 8th, scoring his first F1 point; the car was described as 'very hard to drive'.
• Mindset – He acknowledges the 'curse' but stresses realism: same car, new regs, and belief in his own pace.

What's next:

The upcoming rounds in the United States and Brazil will test whether Hadjar can consistently challenge the midfield and narrow the gap to Verstappen. A steady points haul could finally give Red Bull a second driver who influences the championship, turning a long‑standing narrative on its head.