Isack Hadjar is ready to embrace the challenges of joining Red Bull, stating that he anticipates feeling ‘frustrated’ alongside teammate Max Verstappen initially.
Hadjar’s Red Bull Journey Begins
The French driver caught Red Bull’s attention during his impressive rookie season with Racing Bulls, leading to his promotion to the senior team, taking Yuki Tsunoda’s place as Verstappen’s partner.
Accepting the Challenge
Hadjar’s promotion was announced ahead of the Abu Dhabi season finale, following a standout rookie year where he finished third at Zandvoort and consistently earned points. As he prepares to team up with Verstappen, Hadjar is aware of the notable history of the second seat at Red Bull, which has seen several drivers since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure.
Facing Tough Competition
Among the past drivers, only Sergio Perez has managed to cope with the pressure of competing against Verstappen consistently. However, by early 2024, Perez struggled due to development changes in the RB20, ultimately leading to his exit after that season.
New Car, New Chances
Entering this competitive atmosphere, Hadjar holds a unique advantage as the drastic regulatory changes mean that both he and Verstappen will start with an unfamiliar car. “It’s the perfect timing,” he remarked, acknowledging this opportunity as beneficial for his adaptation.
Understanding the Reality
Hadjar acknowledges that the four-time champion will likely outpace him initially. Recognizing this reality is essential for his longevity in the Red Bull environment. He stated, “If anything, the goal is to accept that I’m going to be slower the first month,” indicating a readiness to face the challenges head-on.
Aiming for Growth
With a self-reflective attitude, Hadjar aims to avoid the pitfalls faced by others in the second seat. He believes in the importance of building stronger foundations, stating, “The key is to be incredibly quick and work well with the team.” This approach emphasizes the need to remain resilient and work towards improvement without succumbing to pressure.
