Isack Hadjar Reveals the Hidden Cost of Being Max Verstappen’s Teammate

Isack Hadjar is all set to race against Max Verstappen at Red Bull in the 2026 season. Hadjar enjoyed a positive year at Racing Bulls in his rookie year and is now promoted to the parent team. However, the second driver curse at Red Bull might continue even with the Frenchman coming to the team. As such, the 21-year-old opens up on partnering against one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula 1.

Max Verstappen is often termed as the career killer, as none of his teammates can live up to the expectations set by him at Red Bull. The Dutchman extracts performance from the car even when it seems impossible. Though Isack Hadjar is a very promising candidate, he needs to maintain composure in the team and not crack under pressure.

Isack Hadjar insisted that it was hard to realise that he was truly going to race at Red Bull, partnering up with Max Verstappen. The Frenchman highlighted that he wasn’t just racing for the team, but also being teammates with the 28-year-old. Hadjar asserted that he was grateful for the opportunity, as he was just 21 years of age and racing at one of the top teams in Formula 1.

Further, Isack Hadjar accepted that media appearances will be harsher now that he is going to race at Red Bull against Max Verstappen. The Frenchman would be looked at under a microscope, and all his failures would certainly be taken way out of proportion. However, to avoid such problems, Hadjar joked that he would disappear from the grid and probably wear a mask to put an end to the unnecessary hatred.

It’s hard to realise, It’s not just Red Bull, it’s just being a team-mate with Max. I’m so grateful because I’m just 21 and I get to see what the highest level in the world is like at such a young age. So I’m very lucky. It’s just annoying, if anything (media). I have a plan to disappear. Wear a mask. I don’t know.

Isack Hadjar said, as reported by RacingNews365.

Isack Hadjar claims he ‘couldn’t have asked’ for a better team to begin F1 career with than Racing Bulls

Isack Hadjar began racing in Formula 1 with Racing Bulls. The Frenchman performed extremely well in the sister team and achieved a podium finish in his very first year in the sport. The team was also laid back, and serious when required, something which Hadjar truly appreciated. However, with his Red Bull debut upcoming, he believes that it is now time to start working hard.

Speaking on his time at Racing Bulls, Isack Hadjar noted that there was more of a family environment in the team. However, he added that he wasn’t in Formula 1 to have fun, but rather perform at the pinnacle of his career. Still, Hadjar recalled that he couldn’t have asked for a better team to begin his career with in Formula 1.

VCARB is a family team, But at the same time, I’m not here to have a laugh. I have friends to have fun with when I go home, and when I’m on track, I’m here to work. So I don’t mind it. I couldn’t have wished for a better team to start my F1 career with, They’re used to developing kids.

Isack Hadjar noted.

The 2026 season will introduce new regulations as all teams rush preparations for the coming year. None of the teams are the clear favorites for now. Isack Hadjar certainly won’t have it easy during his initial days at Red Bull. However, if he performs well, he might break the curse at Milton Keynes and maybe even beat Max Verstappen in his first year with the team.

Continue Reading: “Unacceptable!” Charles Leclerc Demands Action over Death Threats Targeting Kimi Antonelli

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