Isack Hadjar on first Red Bull F1 crash: 'I'm screwed'

Red Bull's new driver Isack Hadjar has opened up about his immediate reaction to crashing the team's 2026 car during a private shakedown test, revealing he turned to social media to cope with the pressure and the inevitable comparisons to past incidents. The French rookie, set to partner Max Verstappen this season, acknowledged the steep learning curve but remains focused on the opportunity ahead.

Why it matters:

For a rookie joining the most scrutinized team on the grid, any mistake—especially a highly visible crash—carries immense psychological weight. Hadjar's candid admission highlights the intense pressure young drivers face at a top team and their modern methods of dealing with public perception. How he manages this early setback could set the tone for his crucial debut season alongside a triple world champion.

The details:

• The incident occurred at a closed-door 2026 car shakedown in Barcelona at the end of January, where Hadjar lost control at the final corner and hit the barrier.
• His first thought was of compatriot Pierre Gasly, who famously crashed at the same corner during his own Red Bull debut test in 2019.
• Social Media Coping Mechanism: Hadjar stated he went directly to X (formerly Twitter) to read the reactions, using the public commentary to contextualize and move past the error. His takeaway was the humorous, if dramatic, conclusion: "'ah, I'm screwed for the whole season.'"
• Partnering Verstappen: Hadjar recognizes the challenge of being the latest driver to team up with Max Verstappen, especially amid major technical regulation changes for 2026.
• Value of Experience: He pointed to Verstappen's vast experience as a key, un-purchasable advantage, noting, "When you have 300 grands prix, if you make the most of them, then you have an advantage on a guy like me."

What's next:

The true test begins when the season starts. Hadjar's ability to learn quickly from this pre-season incident and absorb knowledge from Verstappen will be critical. All eyes will be on whether he can manage the pressure and avoid the pitfalls that have ensnared other Red Bull junior drivers, using this early stumble as a learning point rather than a defining moment.