P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Isack Hadjar expects to be slower than Max Verstappen at the start of F1 2026…
Isack Hadjar will need more than just the right attitude to succeed where his five predecessors failed, in being a fully competitive team-mate and adversary to Max Verstappen within Red Bull’s main Formula 1 team. A keen awareness of the challenge he will face as a sophomore F1 driver against “the best driver in the world” is a promising sign for Red Bull’s latest gamble to give it a balanced Red Bull Racing lineup. Hadjar refuted the suggestion that the target would be to beat Verstappen initially, acknowledging that he may be slower in the first months. He does not see it as defeatist, believing realistic expectations are essential to success against a formidable opponent like Verstappen. Despite the slim chances, Hadjar hopes to eventually match Verstappen’s pace while acknowledging the uphill battle ahead. The admission of potential initial struggle is viewed as healthy pragmatism and may ultimately lead to a positive outcome if Hadjar can exceed expectations early on.
