Isack Hadjar explains 'key' behind breaking Max Verstappen team-mate curse

Isack Hadjar has explained what he needs to do in order to not dramatically fall behind Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

Following an impressive rookie season, Hadjar was chosen by Red Bull to replace Yuki Tsunoda at the senior team ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Tsunoda struggled for form throughout the year and was the latest Verstappen team-mate who failed to bring home results.

The Japanese driver followed the likes of Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Liam Lawson who all could not get up to speed at Red Bull.

Hadjar has already accepted that he will not stroll into the team and instantly match the four-time champion.

When asked if he is keeping Verstappen's team-mate history in mind, Hadjar told select media including RacingNews365: “Yeah I am. That’s why I have this approach.

“The key is to be unbelievably quick, good outside the car, working with the boys.

“That’s the only way you’re going to get there. It’s not a specifically mental approach. You need to get the job done as well on the track.”

Hadjar targets Red Bull integration with winter visits

Hadjar enjoyed a positive rookie campaign which peaked with a podium result at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Although his end goal as a Red Bull junior was to achieve a seat at the front-running squad, Hadjar declared he paid little attention to what occured at the team as he navigated the challenges of his first season in F1.

“To get to Red Bull, I had to do my best here,” Hadjar said. “There wasn't much attention paid to what the big boys were doing.

“But obviously the focus point is changing and I can't wait to get to Milton Keynes and start working with the guys through January and February.

“It’s not going to be fun, but it's where I'm going to make the difference, because the car is not built yet.

“There’s one tool out there [and it’s] the sim. It's a lot to do. I can allow myself more holidays, but what's the point?”

Hadjar will link up with Verstappen as the sport enters a new era under fresh technical regulations.

The Frenchman insisted he has already found his relationship with Verstappen to be healthy, having sought advice from the 28-year-old on several occasions last year.

“Especially on the technical aspect, I would see him for like five minutes at the driver's parade and I have questions,” he said.

“He answers it, he is very open about that. There’s a lot to take, and that's why I'm also using that from him.”