Isack Hadjar expects to be slower than Max Verstappen early at Red Bull; bettors may avoid backing him for early wins but find value in each-way, head-to-head or rookie markets—Hadjar could offer good odds to finish ahead of lower-ranked teammates while he adapts.
Hadjar Accepts Learning Curve as He Joins Red Bull
Isack Hadjar has taken a pragmatic stance on his first full season with Red Bull, openly conceding he is “going to be slower” than team-mate Max Verstappen at the start. The French-Algerian rookie, 21, was a standout in 2025 — out-scoring teammate Liam Lawson by 13 points and claiming a podium at the Dutch Grand Prix — but he knows the step up to Verstappen’s level will be steep.
2025 Breakout and Promotion
Hadjar’s strong rookie campaign, capped by that Dutch GP podium, earned him a promotion when Yuki Tsunoda struggled alongside Verstappen. His performances positioned him as one of the season’s surprise packages and the most impressive rookie in the field, raising expectations heading into his first season inside the primary Red Bull garage.
How Hadjar Rates Verstappen and the Intra-team Gap
Hadjar acknowledges Verstappen’s unmatched adaptability and consistency: “He doesn't have a driving style; he adapts to what he's given. That's what makes his strength.” Verstappen’s track record of out-performing teammates — including Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, Lawson and Tsunoda — underlines the challenge Hadjar faces, especially given the widening performance gap between Red Bull’s two garages in recent years.
Mental Approach and Realistic Targets
Rather than promising instant parity, Hadjar is focused on managing expectations and minimizing frustration. “If you go into that mindset, you accept already that it's going to be very tough… you're more prepared,” he said, stressing preparation and steady progress as keys to closing the gap over time.
Implications for the Team and Betting Markets
For Red Bull, Hadjar’s honesty signals a measured development plan rather than immediate internal rivalry. For punters, the realistic takeaway is to temper expectations on race wins early in the season. Value bets may be found in head-to-head markets against lower-ranked teammates, each-way selections at circuits that suit his style, or in rookie-specific markets where Hadjar’s 2025 form boosts his appeal.
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Isack Hadjar has a daunting task ahead of him with Red Bull.
Express
