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F1 driver and former GP2 champion Jolyon Palmer has warned Max Verstappen that his negative stance on the sport's new technical regulations could hand Isack Hadjar the perfect opportunity to establish himself at Red Bull. The fourtime world champion has repeatedly voiced his frustration with the FIA's incoming engine rules, admitting he is 'not enjoying the whole formula' with Red Bull as things stand.

Late last month, Verstappen even hinted he is 'thinking' about his future in the sport, suggesting he could sensationally walk away if his concerns aren't addressed. But Palmer believes those comments will only strengthen new teammate Hadjar's chances of cementing his place within the team.

Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Palmer said: "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.

"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.

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"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.

Palmer continued: "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." Verstappen finished eighth in the last Grand Prix in Japan and will be looking to go one better when the Miami Grand Prix gets underway on May 3.