Isack Hadjar is facing the ultimate baptism of fire this season in F1: going wheel-to-wheel with four-time world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
But two of the four-time world champion’s team-mates think the Frenchman will perform well against the fierce Dutchman.
Why? Because Alex Albon and Sergio Perez see Formula 1’s 2026 regulation overhaul as a potential equaliser for Hadjar, giving him a better shot to hold his own against Verstappen than his predecessors at Red Bull.
A Fresh Start in the Lions' Den
Hadjar’s winter has been anything but smooth – marred by a crash in Barcelona and a string of mechanical gremlins in Bahrain – but Albon remains unbothered. The Williams driver, who once sat where Hadjar sits now, highlighted the 21-year-old’s talent and the opportunities the new rules present.
“I think Isack is a quick driver,” Albon remarked in Bahrain. “And I think actually this regulation change will be good for everyone. It’s a fresh start for everyone.
“Based on what I’ve seen so far, he seems to be quite comfortable in the car, and I think it’s a lot of learning to do, not just in terms of having a quick team-mate but also the car itself. I think he’s going to do ok.”
The Best and Worst Job in the World
Sergio Perez, whose own Red Bull story ended in a bittersweet exit from the grid, famously labeled the second Red Bull seat as “the best and worst job” in the sport.
It is a poisoned chalice, yet the Mexican believes Hadjar has timed his arrival to perfection. By entering the fray exactly when the cars have become alien to everyone – including Verstappen – Hadjar avoids the trap of trying to master a car honed by years of Max's specific feedback.
©RedBull
“I think it’s great to come into Red Bull with such a change in the regulations,” Checo noted, eyeing the youngster’s trajectory.
To Perez, the talent is undeniable, provided the mental fortitude holds up under the Milton Keynes spotlight.
“Isack is a very talented driver, he’s shown that, and I’m sure that as long as he stays cool throughout the year, he will have a very successful career in Formula 1,” he added.
“And also being team-mates with Max in F1, it’s a great team. So, I think it’s a great place for him to be in at this point of his career. I think it’s a great opportunity.”
With fresh rules, a supportive team environment, and advice from those who’ve walked the same tightrope, the F1 paddock will be watching closely to see if Hadjar can turn potential into pace – and start challenging Verstappen from the first corners of the 2026 season.
Read also:
Hadjar: Red Bull RB22 already ‘easier to push to the limit’
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
Why ex-Red Bull drivers see Hadjar keeping pace with Verstappen F1i.com.
Hence then, the article about why ex red bull drivers see hadjar keeping pace with verstappen was published today ( ) and is available on F1 News ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Why ex-Red Bull drivers see Hadjar keeping pace with Verstappen )
Also on site :
- Rainbow Six Mobile Global Launch: Full Schedule and Release Times
- Genshin Impact Version 6.4 Pre-Download Now Live: Varka and Flins Arrive
- Hogwarts Legacy 2: Everything We Know About the 2027 Release