Isack Hadjar continues to surprise both on and off the track: while teammate Max Verstappen has criticized the current state of Formula 1 races, the young French driver presents a different, more optimistic view, focusing on the real challenges posed by the new regulations.
Hadjar doesn’t share Verstappen’s criticism
Fresh from scoring his first points with Red Bull Racing in Shanghai, Isack Hadjar commented on Max Verstappen’s remarks, who had expressed concerns about the quality of the racing. The Frenchman, however, does not see a problem with race day itself.
“To be honest, no. The races aren’t that bad,” he told the media, emphasizing that the real limitations lie not in race pace but in other aspects of the weekend.
His result in China came after the disappointment in Melbourne, where a mechanical failure had forced him to retire. In Shanghai, however, Isack Hadjar showed consistency and maturity, earning valuable points for the team.
The real problem? Qualifying and slow corners
Isack Hadjar then explained what he believes to be the true challenge of the current cars: managing slow corners and performing in qualifying.
“It’s always a bit sad to tackle certain corners quite slowly. For me, qualifying is the worst part, where you have to lift off the throttle and carry momentum. I just think a racing car should reach its top speed by the end of the straight.”
This reflection highlights a hotly debated technical topic: the 2026 cars, with reduced aerodynamic downforce and more inertia, could penalize precisely the most explosive phases of a flying lap.
Isack Hadjar, however, doesn’t want to paint a negative picture:
“It’s a bit of a shame, but the races have been pretty good.”
A fresh perspective on the future of Formula 1
Isack Hadjar’s words offer a different angle in the ongoing debate about the future of Formula 1. While some drivers fear a decline in racing spectacle, the Frenchman clearly distinguishes between the technical difficulties of a flying lap and the quality of the races themselves, which he still considers satisfying. This fresh point of view confirms his growing confidence within the team and across the paddock.
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