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Hadjar Praises Verstappen’s Openness as He Settles into Red Bull Role
Bahrain – Isack Hadjar is already building a positive working relationship with four-time World Champion Max Verstappen as he begins his first season as a Red Bull Racing driver. Hadjar described Verstappen as “very open” during pre-season testing in Bahrain, noting the ease of collaboration. The Frenchman, promoted from Racing Bulls for the 2026 season, also emphasized the familiar environment at Red Bull, having been part of the team’s junior program since 2021 and reuniting with Team Principal Laurent Mekies, who oversaw his F1 debut in 2025. Hadjar stated the transition has been “very smooth” and he feels “very lucky” to be working with the team, focusing now on analyzing learnings from testing ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
Hadjar Embraces ‘Highly Open’ Verstappen as Red Bull Partnership Begins
Isack Hadjar has expressed his enthusiasm regarding his new partnership with Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, describing the four-time World Champion as “very open” during early pre-season testing. The promising young driver, promoted from Racing Bulls for the 2026 season, appears to be settling in quickly at the Milton Keynes-based team.
Smooth Transition for Hadjar
Following a successful debut season with Racing Bulls in 2025, Hadjar’s promotion represents a significant step in his Formula 1 career. He revealed that the transition to Red Bull feels surprisingly familiar, having been part of the Red Bull Junior Team since 2021. “It doesn’t really sense like jumping into a new team, to be honest,” Hadjar stated.
He further explained his existing relationships within the team, noting prior experience with Formula 1 practice sessions in 2023 and 2024. “I’ve been doing FP1s for this team already… I’m working with engineers that I’ve known for a while now. I’ve been on sim support sessions with them for the team, so it made the transition a lot easier.”
Reunion with Team Principal Mekies
The move likewise marks a reunion with Team Principal Laurent Mekies, who previously led Racing Bulls during Hadjar’s debut season. “I made my debut in Formula 1 with him – stepping into my second season with him is good, so it’s been very smooth. I’m very lucky,” Hadjar commented, highlighting the stability and continuity within his support structure.
Pro Tip: Building strong relationships with engineers and team leadership is crucial for a driver’s success, especially when joining a new team. Hadjar’s existing rapport with key personnel gives him a significant advantage.
Focus on Development Ahead of Australian Grand Prix
During pre-season testing in Bahrain, Hadjar emphasized the importance of data analysis and refinement as the team prepares for the Australian Grand Prix. “The goal for Melbourne is to make the most of the learnings, move back on the sim, correlate all that, and try to make sure that the direction we need to go in is clear.” This demonstrates a proactive approach to maximizing performance and adapting to the demands of the new season.
The Challenge of Verstappen as a Teammate
Facing Max Verstappen as a teammate presents a formidable challenge. Verstappen’s dominance in recent seasons has set a high benchmark for performance. However, Hadjar’s positive initial interactions suggest a collaborative environment, potentially unlocking new levels of performance for the entire Red Bull team.
Did you realize? Isack Hadjar’s rise through the Red Bull Junior Team highlights the program’s success in identifying and nurturing young talent. Several current F1 drivers, including Verstappen himself, have benefited from this system.
FAQ
Q: How long has Isack Hadjar been associated with Red Bull Racing?
A: Hadjar has been a part of the Red Bull Junior Team since 2021, gaining valuable experience through FP1 sessions with the team in 2023 and 2024 before his full-time promotion for 2026.
Q: What is Hadjar’s initial impression of Max Verstappen?
A: Hadjar has described Verstappen as “very open” and expressed his satisfaction with their early collaboration.
Q: Who is Laurent Mekies?
A: Laurent Mekies is the Team Principal of Red Bull Racing and previously led Racing Bulls when Hadjar made his Formula 1 debut.
Q: What are Hadjar’s priorities ahead of the Australian Grand Prix?
A: Hadjar’s focus is on analyzing data from pre-season testing and refining the car’s setup to maximize performance.
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