Hadjar in awe of one unexpected Verstappen trait

Red Bull promotee Isack Hadjar is about to find out firsthand what it’s like to share a Formula 1 garage with four-time world champion Max Verstappen.

And according to the young recruit, the Dutchman’s most impressive asset isn’t just speed or silverware – it’s his remarkable talent for… getting very angry when things don’t go his way!

Red Bull’s 2026 line-up shake-up follows a tough campaign for Yuki Tsunoda, with Hadjar stepping up after an eye-catching rookie season at Racing Bulls that included a podium finish.

Now he’ll partner Verstappen, who enters the new era having narrowly missed out on a fifth world title by just two points to Lando Norris after a fierce late-season fightback against the McLaren driver.

Even with the biggest technical overhaul in years looming, Verstappen remains one of the favourites – and according to Hadjar, that’s largely because the Dutchman hasn’t lost his edge.

Why Verstappen’s Anger Still Matters

Hadjar believes most champions ease off once they’ve climbed to the top. Verstappen, however, is wired differently.

“What I find very impressive with Max is that, after four world championships, he’s still very hungry, and very mad when it doesn’t go his way because he always wants to win,” Hadjar said.

In a sport where success can blunt motivation, Verstappen’s fury – the kind that erupts when victory slips away – is what sets him apart contends Hadjar

“I don’t think every champion can do that; once you’ve passed a certain level, you can maybe slow down a bit in your approach, but he seems to be starting just like I am, so it’s very impressive,” he said.

That mindset helped Verstappen drag himself back into title contention last season and explains why rivals still brace for him, regardless of regulation resets or shifting competitive orders.

What Excites Hadjar Most

For Hadjar, the move to Red Bull is deeply personal as well as professionally seismic.

“Honestly, there’s two things [that excite me]. Being in a world champion team; when I grew up watching Formula 1, I saw Vettel winning all these races with Red Bull.”

The other is the ultimate modern-day benchmark.

“And being team-mates with Max, to see what it’s like, what facing the best level in the world feels like. It’s definitely super exciting.”

No Expectations, Just Urgency

Despite the scale of the challenge, Hadjar insists he’s starting 2026 with a clear head, mindful that the rule changes effectively reset the grid.

“I have no expectations at all because it's starting from scratch, everyone,” he stated.

• Read also: Red Bull reveals what it expects from Isack Hadjar in 2026

What he does have is focus - and impatience to get to work.

“So yeah, the work is going to be done. I'm just really looking forward to January, February, working with the team, getting to know all the people.

“It's going to be crucial to try and be ahead a bit.”

And if Hadjar learns how to channel even a fraction of Verstappen’s most “impressive” trait – that relentless, win-fuelled anger – Red Bull’s 2026 pairing could be one of the most combustible on the grid.

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