Isack Hadjar has a good feeling about his first test day in the new Red Bull. Max Verstappen’s teammate was in action on Monday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and was exceptionally productive.

“Surprisingly, we completed more laps than expected, and everything went quite smoothly,” said Hadjar, who joined from Racing Bulls this winter.

“We only had a few minor issues, nothing major. That’s quite impressive, especially since it was our first day with our own engine. Everything felt very smooth.”

Red Bull had long anticipated the first test day, as it was the first time the team had driven a self-built engine. With support from Ford, the team, with Red Bull Powertrains, is running a completely self-developed power unit on the circuits for the first time this year.

It’s no coincidence that Red Bull chose 2026 to launch the new engine project. The regulations have been drastically changed, meaning almost everything about the new cars is different. Formula 1 itself calls it the biggest technical change in the sport’s history.

“The difference is huge,” Hadjar continued about the new car. “The car feels less heavy and is therefore more predictable than the previous generation, and also simpler. It’s easier to play with.

On the engine side, there are also more options for the driver. I already got to work with that today, and it was very interesting.”

‘Engine not much different from what I was used to’
Hadjar was also pleased with how the new engine responded. “For a first day, it honestly felt fine.

It’s not much different from what I was used to, especially when it comes to upshifting and downshifting. Of course, there are still some things to fine-tune, but the foundation is solid.”

Max Verstappen will drive his new car for the first time on Tuesday. After this week, the Formula 1 teams will test two more three-day sessions (February 11-13 and February 18-20) in Bahrain.

The new Formula 1 season officially starts on March 8 with the Australian Grand Prix.