Verstappen's teammate's situation 'shouldn't occur to me.'

      "With Max, everything is consistent and at an incredibly high level."

      Isack Hadjar states that collaborating with Max Verstappen has affirmatively shown why the Dutch driver is seen as the standard in Formula 1. The 21-year-old Frenchman became Verstappen’s eighth teammate earlier this season and has thus far managed to stay competitive alongside the four-time world champion, unlike many of his predecessors. After recently achieving a breakthrough podium in Monaco—later taken away following Pierre Gasly’s successful appeal—Hadjar acknowledges he is still getting accustomed to the challenges of competing at the front.

      "Sometimes I reflect on my performance, and I think: I’ve done quite well," he told Viaplay. "At other moments, I feel: this is precisely where I should be." He emphasized that one of the greatest advantages has been access to Verstappen’s data. When asked where Verstappen impresses him the most, Hadjar responded without delay. "Every corner," was his immediate reply. "If you outperform Max in even one corner, it indicates you’re achieving considerable success."

      Throughout his racing career, competing against skilled teammates in Formula 4, Formula 3, Formula 2, and now Formula 1, Hadjar believes Verstappen is distinct from anyone he has previously faced. "Every teammate has specific weaknesses, allowing you to be quicker in some corners all weekend," he pointed out. "With Max, everything remains steady and of an exceptionally high standard. That’s remarkable."

      The Frenchman is acutely aware of the numerous drivers whose careers have been affected after teaming up with Verstappen, including Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda. However, he asserts that the possibility didn't trouble him. "I was mostly curious about why that occurred," Hadjar said. After seven race weekends alongside Verstappen, when asked if he had unearthed the reason, he smiled and replied, "I haven’t found the answer, but I do believe it won’t happen to me."

      Hadjar also rejected claims that Verstappen receives preferential treatment at Red Bull. "If we have equal cars, which we do now, I’m confident it will be fine," he stated. When questioned if he believed the team would continue to provide the same equipment, Hadjar quickly clarified his stance. "Yes, absolutely. That’s how a team functions. This is Red Bull Racing. They know how to ensure both cars perform effectively."