Isack Hadjar Reflects on Taking Red Bull's Second Seat Amid Past Struggles

Isack Hadjar has candidly admitted to feeling "doubt and pressure" about stepping into the second Red Bull seat, aware of the tough act of matching Max Verstappen's performance. The French driver recognized the struggles of his predecessors and didn't take the challenge lightly.

Confirmed in December 2025, Hadjar's promotion from Racing Bulls to Red Bull marked a significant step, replacing Yuki Tsunoda after a mid-season shuffle with Liam Lawson. His awareness of the mixed fortunes faced by former teammates like Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Sergio Perez only added to the weight on his shoulders.

"Coming into the team, I was fully aware of the challenge ahead," Hadjar remarked during a media day at the Hungarian Grand Prix. "Max is undeniably great, and the pressure was real. However, things are going pretty much as I hoped."

Despite the initial jitters, Hadjar has secured commendable results, including a P4 finish in Monaco. His impressive recovery from the back of the grid to P6 in Belgium was praised by Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies as Hadjar's "best race" with the team.

Reflecting on his early season, Hadjar admitted to a rocky start, saying, "Initially, I was making simple mistakes while managing the tougher aspects well, like maintaining pace and rhythm close to Max." He credits recent improvements to team efforts that have ironed out issues, making life easier when the car performs reliably.

"I'm pleased with where I'm at, but a podium finish to truly fight for would be ideal," Hadjar added, setting his sights on further achievements.

Hadjar also shared insights into his growing confidence. "It's a challenging car to drive, but it's consistent," he said. "I've extracted the most from it in recent rounds, but there's still room to improve, especially against Ferrari and Mercedes."

When asked if he surprised himself this season, the 21-year-old remained grounded. "Honestly, I haven't surprised myself. It's my second season, and I'm just driving at a high level," he explained. "Max's race management is on another level, and that's my focus for improvement."

As Hadjar continues to adapt and aim for higher achievements, the shadow of past Red Bull challenges remains a motivating factor, guiding him as he navigates his path alongside a formidable teammate.