Isack Hadjar has insisted that a strong on-track result does not necessarily translate to positive emotions after a grand prix.
The Frenchman enjoyed a positive rookie season with Racing Bulls this year, which earned him a promotion to Red Bull for the 2026 campaign.
Hadjar has often been critical of himself when things have not swung his way, but insisted it is in his nature to first point the finger at himself.
“No, it’s always been like this,” Hadjar told select media inclduing RacingNews365.
“You’ll never catch me with a smile if I didn’t do the job.”
Hadjar’s rookie season peaked at Zandvoort, where he scored a maiden podium finish.
Having enjoyed many other top 10 results this year, Hadjar stated he will only be happy if he feels he has extracted the maximum from the car.
“Even if the result is incredible, if the job is not done properly, then I’m not interested,” he said.
“It’s always my fault, and then maybe I think of the car. It’s always me first.
“It’s very extreme, but it’s better this way than the other way around, that’s for sure.”
Hadjar has been picked as the latest driver to step up to the challenge of partnering Verstappen, who has easily dominated his team-mates across the last several years.
While the two have vastly different F1 resumés, Hadjar hailed Verstappen for keeping his hunger for success alive.
“I’m hungry because I’ve won absolutely nothing and he’s still hungry after so many wins and titles. It’s very impressive,” he said.
“That’s why I think he’s the big deal.“