Isack Hadjar (r) mentally ready » to take on Max Verstappen
Isack Hadjar says he's « curious » to try driving Red Bull's "problem" car, while insisting that his aim remains to drive for the main team.
The 20-year-old French rookie has made an impressive start to his F1 career and is already being considered for a promotion to Red Bull from the sister team Racing Bulls, in a context where Yuki Tsunoda is experiencing persistent difficulties.
Isack Hadjar ready to take the leap?
Isack Hadjar recently admitted that he would not feel ready to be promoted mid-season to the main team, but as the British Grand Prix approaches, he highlighted his curiosity to discover how challenging the RB21 is to drive.
« When I signed the contract with Red Bull four years ago, the goal was to get to Red Bull, so it hasn’t changed », he told the media at Silverstone.
« It’s definitely interesting. I’d obviously like to go see for myself out of curiosity. »
Red Bull insisted that Yuki Tsunoda would finish the 2025 season despite his difficulties to progress, and the Frenchman acknowledged that staying with Racing Bulls would make more sense for the moment.
« For now, it’s not as if I have everything under control, I’m scoring points every weekend », he added. « There is still a lot to learn, so it makes more sense to stay where I am for the moment. »
Isack Hadjar mentally ready to face Max Verstappen
Isack Hadjar believes he has what it takes mentally to compete with Max Verstappen, but admits he doesn’t yet know if he has the necessary skills to match the four-time world champion.
Red Bull team director, Christian Horner, previously described being the teammate of the Dutchman as the most difficult job in F1.
« That means you constantly start the weekend in a position of delay. He gets into his rhythm. He is very explosive. He quickly finds his pace. You always have to make up time on the lap and try to follow him », explained Isack Hadjar about Max Verstappen.
When asked about his level of preparedness for the daunting idea of facing it, Isack Hadjar responded: « Mentally, yes. If I’m good at something, it’s that. The only thing is whether I have the skills. Mentally, I know I’m strong, so I don’t worry too much. »
« Do I have Verstappen’s skills? I don’t know. I don’t know yet. That’s the thing. »
