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Max Verstappen has shared his ire with F1’s new technical ruleset, and Ralf Schumacher believes it may just open up a ‘big opportunity’ for Isack Hadjar to stake his claim at Red Bull.
After the first three days of testing in Bahrain, several high-profile F1 drivers voiced their frustrations with the new direction that the sport is heading in.
The main gripe is regarding the 50/50 split between thermal and electrical energy in the new power units. Fernando Alonso labelled it ‘annoying’, while Max Verstappen compared it to ‘Formula E on steroids’.
Officials weren’t impressed by the negative reaction to the new rulebook, and Verstappen’s comments landed him in hot water with F1.
They demanded a meeting with the Dutchman, and are understood to have asked him to tone down his colourful verdict.
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Ralf Schumacher explains why Isack Hadjar now has a ‘big opportunity’ after Max Verstappen’s outburst
During a recent episode of the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, former F1 driver turned pundit Ralf Schumacher was asked whether he sees Isack Hadjar becoming a race winner early on in the 2026 season following his move to Red Bull.
The German began by warning Hadjar against overdriving his car while trying to match Verstappen’s results, which could end in disaster for the young Frenchman.
He said, “Well, I think he should be careful and not try to be better than Max Verstappen at all costs. I think that would end up in the guardrail. That’s what happened in Barcelona.”
Hadjar moved on well from his shunt in Barcelona, citing the messages he received on social media as the main catalyst for him getting over the mistake that left the Austrian constructor stranded in the Barcelona shakedown.
Schumacher then went on to explain how Verstappen’s focus on competing in endurance races at the Nurburgring may open up a big opportunity for his new teammate.
He added, “But if Max gets more involved in discussions about why he doesn’t like Formula 1, instead of concentrating on getting to grips with the current package, the team needs his support.
“Then there’s a big opportunity for Hadjar, because he also drives a bit of GT3 at the Nurburgring and so on.
“So at some point, you have to be careful not to take on too many projects. Even Max Verstappen can’t do that. You only have two hands, after all.”
- READ MORE: Felipe Massa tells Isack Hadjar why he’ll have a much easier time at Red Bull than Liam Lawson
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Isack Hadjar has been impressed with Max Verstappen’s attention to detail at Red Bull
With Hadjar now hoping to become the first teammate of Verstappen’s to succeed at Red Bull since the departure of Daniel Ricciardo at the end of 2018, he has begun life in Milton Keynes by carefully studying the four-time world champion.
Hadjar explained how ‘impressive’ Verstappen’s attention to detail is following the test in Bahrain, while adding that he isn’t too surprised about it, given the 71-time Grand Prix winner’s stature in the sport.
When it comes to high-calibre teammates, it’s difficult to find someone as experienced and formidable as Verstappen elsewhere on the grid.
Reports from those inside the F1 paddock have said that Hadjar made ‘encouraging’ progress alongside Verstappen in Bahrain, and the young Frenchman now has another three days of testing to further adapt himself to his new team and the machinery that comes with it.
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