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Isack Hadjar Shares Insights on Racing Max Verstappen at Red Bull
Isack Hadjar discusses the challenges and learning experiences of being Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull. His reflections reveal both the pressures and opportunities that come with racing alongside a four-time World Champion.
In a recent chat on the _Beyond the Grid_ podcast, Isack Hadjar opened up about the formidable task of being Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull. Entering his second season in Formula 1, Hadjar has already experienced the ups and downs that come with sharing the garage with a driver of Verstappen's caliber.
Hadjar's debut year in 2025 was nothing short of impressive, including a podium finish at Zandvoort, which caught the attention of Red Bull's decision-makers. Now in 2026, he's embracing the unique challenge of partnering with Verstappen, even managing to secure a podium finish in Monaco and again in Azerbaijan, despite missing races due to a wrist injury.
Reflecting on the experience, Hadjar describes racing against the four-time World Champion as a remarkable opportunity. "I'm probably facing the prime of the prime of the level you can achieve in Formula 1," he said. "To experience this at my age, this early in my career, I'm one very, very lucky guy." He appreciates Verstappen's kindness and the invaluable insights he offers, which Hadjar suggests are unmatched in the paddock.
Hadjar acknowledges the challenge Verstappen presents on the track. "What I have in my mind that I want to achieve on track, he kind of does it," Hadjar noted, highlighting Verstappen's consistency and ability to avoid mistakes. Verstappen's knack for being in the right place at the right time gives him an edge that Hadjar finds both inspiring and motivating.
Despite the challenge, Hadjar relishes the opportunity to compete against Verstappen. "I love going into every session knowing that he's going to set a benchmark that I need to match and overcome," he said. The consistency and precision Verstappen exhibits make him a tough competitor, but for Hadjar, it's all part of the thrill.
As Hadjar continues to develop, he identifies areas for improvement, such as race starts and tire management. The finer details, like optimizing qualifying positions and managing car setups, are where he sees room for growth. "It's all these little things you can align like Max does, and then you're in contention," Hadjar explained.
Ahead of his impressive performance in Azerbaijan, Red Bull confirmed Hadjar's contract extension for 2027, a decision backed by Verstappen himself. With aspirations for more podiums and victories, Hadjar is keen to leverage his teammate's expertise to enhance his own performance.
Overall, Hadjar's reflections offer a candid look at the realities of competing alongside a driver like Verstappen. While the challenge is immense, the opportunity to learn and grow in such an environment is an experience Hadjar clearly values.