F1 | Isack Hadjar sets expectations against Max Verstappen ahead of 2026 Formula 1 season. Isack Hadjar, newly promoted to Red Bull’s first team, acknowledges that he will likely be slower than Max Verstappen.

Hadjar admits Verstappen will be a tough challenge for Red Bull debut

Isack Hadjar, freshly promoted to Red Bull’s senior squad, has spoken candidly about what he expects during the first months of the 2026 season, when he will face the daunting task of racing alongside Max Verstappen. Beyond Verstappen, Isack Hadjar was arguably the fastest among the Red Bull junior drivers, which led Helmut Marko and Laurent Mekies to select him for promotion to the “first team” for a season that is full of questions and high expectations.

The French driver made a strong impression during his debut season in Formula 1, despite facing a challenging start. Isack Hadjar was forced to retire even before the Australian Grand Prix began due to an error during the formation lap, an incident that drew both a consoling hug from Anthony Hamilton and sharp criticism from Helmut Marko. Nevertheless, the former Racing Bulls driver gradually climbed back up, eventually establishing himself as one of the most consistent performers throughout the season.

Expectations for 2026

Looking ahead, Isack Hadjar faces one of the toughest challenges for any Formula 1 driver: being teammate to Max Verstappen. For this reason, the Frenchman has been careful not to create false expectations for the upcoming season. “I have to accept that in the first months I will be slower than Max. I think that with this mindset, and looking at the data, it will definitely be very frustrating. But only in this way can I arrive prepared for the new season. Of course, you never know, and maybe the new car will suit my driving style. Even so, Verstappen is always there. He is able to adapt to any car he has in his hands. That’s why he is fast every year and in every condition,” Isack Hadjar stated.

He continued, “I think that those who came before me were very different from me. Each of us is special in our own way; after all, we’re talking about the best drivers in the world. But yes, the chances that I will be slower at the beginning are high. I will have to work hard and try to reach Max’s level.”

With this candid admission, Isack Hadjar demonstrates both humility and determination, acknowledging the challenge of racing alongside one of the most dominant drivers in modern Formula 1 while also emphasizing his commitment to learning, adapting, and maximizing his potential during his first season with Red Bull’s main team.