Hadjar: ‘Very open’ Verstappen making life easier at Red Bull

Isack Hadjar is preparing for his first full season with Red Bull Racing, and that means lining up alongside none other than four-time world champion Max Verstappen.

For many young drivers, that scenario might sound intimidating. For Hadjar? It sounds like an opportunity.

After graduating from Racing Bulls to the senior Milton Keynes outfit for 2026, Hadjar wasted little time getting stuck into life at the sharp end. Pre-season testing in Bahrain marked his first real taste of being Verstappen’s team mate – a role that has chewed up and spat out more experienced names in the past.

But the 21-year-old’s early verdict? Encouraging.

“The work with Max has been very good – he’s been very open so far, so it’s good to have him by my side.”

It’s a telling assessment of Verstappen, whose relentless speed is matched by an uncompromising approach on track.

Hadjar’s comments suggest a collaborative atmosphere rather than a cold intra-team rivalry – at least for now.

And for a driver entering just his second F1 season, having the sport’s benchmark as a reference point could be invaluable.

Not as New as It Looks

While the promotion to Red Bull marks a major milestone, Hadjar insists the move doesn’t feel like stepping into unknown territory.

“It doesn’t really feel like jumping into a new team, to be honest,” he explained. “I’ve been doing FP1s for this team already back in 2023, 2024 – I [was] signed in 2021 [to the Red Bull Junior Team].

“At the end of the day, I’m working with engineers that I’ve known for a while now. I’ve been on sim support sessions with them for the team, so it made the transition a lot easier, and also having Laurent as a leader is great.

“I made my debut in Formula 1 with him – stepping into my second season with him is good, so it’s been very smooth. I’m very lucky.”

• Read also: Why ex-Red Bull drivers see Hadjar keeping pace with Verstappen

That “Laurent” is team boss Laurent Mekies, a familiar ally from Hadjar’s Racing Bulls debut season in 2025. Continuity, it seems, has softened the landing.

The young Frenchman has effectively grown up within the Red Bull system, progressing from junior prospect to simulator regular to Friday practice driver — and now, full-time Red Bull racer.

The badge may be bigger, but the surroundings are reassuringly familiar.

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