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Isack Hadjar Admits He Was Concerned About Teaming Up With Max Verstappen at Red Bull
TL;DR
Isack Hadjar expressed concerns about joining Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, noting the challenges faced by previous drivers in that seat. He is the seventh driver to partner with Verstappen since 2016.
Key points
- Isack Hadjar is the seventh driver to partner with Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
- Hadjar had concerns about the challenges of the second seat.
- Previous drivers struggled to meet expectations in that role.
Red Bull Racing
Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images
Isack Hadjar is the seventh driver to line up alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull since 2016, and the young Frenchman has admitted he had his concerns about taking on that role.
The seat next to Verstappen has developed a reputation over the years, with several drivers struggling to meet expectations. After Daniel Ricciardoâs departure in 2019, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda all found it difficult to keep pace.
Hadjar stepped into the role after a strong rookie season with Racing Bulls. Although the team hoped new regulations would signal a fresh start, there was still plenty of talk about past issues surrounding that second seat.
Hadjar admits Verstappenâs track record was a concern before his Red Bull move
Damon Hill had warned that Verstappen could overwhelm Hadjar mentally, given how others had struggled before him. It was a warning that clearly wasnât lost on the young Frenchman.
Speaking to F1âs official YouTube channel, Hadjar admitted the past struggles of Verstappenâs teammates weighed on his mind. However, he was confident in his ability to prove himself.
âOf course I did in a way because, you look at the gaps between Maxâs teammates and youâre like, âWow, this is weird,â he said about joining Red Bull.
âBut at the same time Iâm realistic. Iâm like, itâs a new regulation, we have the same car. If I believe Iâm good, Iâm good. And thatâs end of the story.â
Isack Hadjar has closed the gap to Max Verstappen in 2026
And he wasnât wrong. Hadjar has looked much closer to Verstappen so far this season, even holding a 2-1 lead in qualifying after outpacing him in Australia and Japan.
Q&A
What concerns did Isack Hadjar have about joining Red Bull?
Isack Hadjar admitted he was worried about the pressures and expectations of teaming up with Max Verstappen, given the struggles of previous drivers in that seat.
Who are the previous drivers that struggled at Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen?
The drivers who faced challenges at Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen include Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda.
What is the significance of the second seat at Red Bull Racing?
The second seat at Red Bull Racing has a reputation for being difficult, with many drivers failing to meet the high expectations set by the team's performance and Verstappen's dominance.