Why ex-Max Verstappen F1 team-mates back Isack Hadjar to avoid their struggles

Two of Max Verstappen’s former Red Bull Formula 1 team-mates believe the radical regulations change in 2026 will work in Isack Hadjar’s favour this season.

The French driver has been promoted to Red Bull’s main team for his second season in F1, following a strong debut with Racing Bulls in 2025.

But partnering four-time world champion Max Verstappen is often cited as the most difficult job in F1, with a number of drivers failing to match his form in equal machinery at Red Bull.

Alex Albon and Sergio Perez have both been in that situation during their careers, though they feel the rules overhaul for 2026 will help Hadjar be closer to Verstappen.

“I think Isack is a quick driver,” Albon said when asked during the Bahrain test what advice he would give Hadjar.

“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.”

Perez noted over the winter that partnering Verstappen at Red Bull was “the best and worst job” in F1.

However, despite ultimately losing a place on the grid for 2025 after his stint with Red Bull came to a disappointing end, he sees Hadjar’s opportunity as nothing but positive for the youngster.

“I think it’s great to come into Red Bull with such a change in the regulations,” the Mexican added.

“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.

“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.”

Hadjar had a tricky winter, losing a day of running at the Barcelona shakedown to a crash, while mechanical issues denied him two sessions of track time in Bahrain.