Hadjar: Red Bull promotion next to Verstappen 'feels weird'

April 27, 2026

Reported by AI

Freshly promoted Red Bull Formula 1 driver Isack Hadjar says joining Max Verstappen still feels 'weird' and he is pinching himself. The 21-year-old earned his place after a strong rookie season with Racing Bulls and has made a solid start to the 2026 campaign.

Red Bull Racing, based in Milton Keynes, has faced ongoing challenges pairing a consistent teammate with four-time champion Max Verstappen. Hadjar's promotion carries significant pressure amid the excitement, as the young driver adjusts to the high-stakes environment.

Max Verstappen dejected beside troubled Red Bull car after early exit in Japanese GP qualifying.

Max Verstappen eliminated early in Japanese GP qualifying amid car woes

March 29, 2026 Reported by AI Image generated by AI

Max Verstappen was knocked out in Q2 during qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, securing only 11th place on the grid, while teammate Isack Hadjar starts eighth. The Red Bull driver described his RB22 as completely undriveable and voiced growing discontent with Formula 1's 2026 regulations, hinting at major life decisions. Jos Verstappen criticized the new era for prioritizing chaos over racing.

Hadjar admits pre-promotion nerves over Red Bull's second seat

Isack Hadjar has admitted to initial concerns about Red Bull's unstable second seat before his promotion to partner Max Verstappen in 2026, despite targeting it from the outset. The 21-year-old's rookie season with Racing Bulls—marked by 51 points, 12th in the championship, and a podium at the Dutch Grand Prix—earned him the Milton Keynes spot amid buzz including support from former Red Bull drivers.

Former Red Bull drivers back Isack Hadjar's promotion

February 22, 2026 Reported by AI

Isack Hadjar has been promoted to the Red Bull team for the 2026 Formula 1 season, where he will partner Max Verstappen. Former Red Bull drivers Alex Albon and Sergio Perez have expressed support for Hadjar's potential success. They highlight his talent and the upcoming regulation changes as positive factors.

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Max Verstappen criticizes Red Bull car and new F1 rules after Japanese GP

Red Bull struggles with car balance in Japanese GP practice

Red Bull's Formula 1 team encountered significant balance issues during Friday practice at the Japanese Grand Prix, leaving drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar well off the pace. Team principal Laurent Mekies described the squad as 'very far' from the frontrunners, citing fundamental problems with the RB22 car. Verstappen warned there is 'no easy fix' for the woes.

Red Bull downplays concerns over Verstappen's motivation amid 2026 F1 regs criticism

March 11, 2026 Reported by AI

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has dismissed speculation about Max Verstappen's waning motivation for the 2026 Formula 1 cars, following the driver's renewed criticism after the Australian Grand Prix. This comes after Verstappen's earlier pre-season testing jabs labeling the regs 'Formula E on steroids.' Mercedes' Toto Wolff also signaled openness to tweaks for better racing.

Max Verstappen tops ratings as 2026 F1 title contender

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen is rated as the top potential contender for the 2026 Formula 1 title despite challenges with new regulations. Building on his earlier criticisms from Bahrain testing, reporters highlight his exceptional 2025 performance in an inferior car and question how energy management will affect his competitive style. Verstappen has expressed concerns that the changes could make races harder for fans to follow.

Max Verstappen shares conflicting views on Formula 1 retirement

March 12, 2026 Reported by AI

Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, has expressed mixed feelings about his future in the sport amid dissatisfaction with the upcoming 2026 regulations. While stating he does not want to leave, he finds more enjoyment in endurance racing pursuits. Discussions with Formula 1 and the FIA aim to address his concerns over the more hybridized power units.

April 11, 2026 03:56

Hadjar: Red Bull promotion next to Verstappen 'feels weird'

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