Max Verstappen has been warned that his oozing of "negativity" about F1's new technical regulations could allow Isack Hadjar to establish a stronghold at Red Bull.
The four-time world champion has been fiercely critical of the new energy-management-dependent regulations, as Red Bull also struggles with its car, returning just 16 points from three races - its lowest yield since 13 points in 2015.
The Dutchman has made major hints that he could be prepared to walk away from F1 if his concerns are not addressed.
However, former F1 driver and GP2 champion Jolyon Palmer believes that Verstappen's constant attacks on the regulations could actually hand new team-mate Hadjar a golden opportunity to establish himself within the team after a strong start, including qualifying third in Australia on his team debut.
"He's just not enjoying anything about it; he's not enjoying racing the car, not enjoying driving the cars and the patience, the different tactics and management you need behind the wheel is not what he inherently wants to do," Palmer told the F1 Nation podcast.
"The pace of the Red Bull is also not good, so if he does well, he can qualify seventh or eighth, and he just wants to get in the car and drive it the old school way.
"With these regulations, you need to adapt a lot and do things which drivers won't be used to from behind the wheel, and small techniques make a big difference, and he's not in the right headspace for it.
"He's still doing a solid job, but if you think about Red Bull, it is a good time for Hadjar. I'm impressed with how he's started, and then you're looking across at the main guy not enjoying things.
"You then think: 'This is a chance for me to say: 'Look, I'm good, come and galvanise behind me guys if you want' and try to keep that enthusiasm going because it must be difficult for Red Bull to have your champion oozing so much negativity when you walk in the garage and you're strapping your driver in, but he's not loving being there.
"Max has been so vocal about it, but he still has to keep working, and I'm sure he is still as hungry as ever."
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