Albon, Perez back Hadjar for Red Bull success

Former Red Bull drivers Alex Albon and Sergio Perez have expressed confidence in Isack Hadjar's ability to succeed as Max Verstappen's new teammate, citing his talent and the fresh start offered by F1's latest regulation changes. The French rookie's promotion follows a standout first season that included a podium finish, but he faces the sport's most daunting intra-team challenge.

Why it matters:

The second seat at Red Bull has been a career graveyard for several talented drivers unable to match Verstappen's relentless pace. Hadjar's performance will be a critical test of whether a new generation, aided by a reset in car regulations, can thrive alongside the reigning champion and bring stability to a volatile team dynamic.

The details:

• Both Albon and Perez, who have firsthand experience of the pressure alongside Verstappen, publicly endorsed Hadjar's potential during pre-season testing in Bahrain.
• Alex Albon highlighted the advantage of the regulation reset: "A lot of this regulation change will be good, it's a fresh start for everyone." He noted Hadjar looked comfortable in the new car but acknowledged the steep learning curve ahead.
• Sergio Perez emphasized Hadjar's proven talent and the scale of the opportunity: "Isack is a very talented driver, he's shown that... It's a great place for him to be at this point of his career. It's a massive opportunity."
• Hadjar earned his promotion after an impressive debut season with sister team Racing Bulls, capped by an unexpected podium at the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the Bahrain season opener to gauge Hadjar's initial adaptation. His primary challenge will be to quickly close the performance gap to Verstappen while managing the immense pressure that comes with the role. A strong start could solidify his position; struggles will inevitably invite immediate comparisons to the fate of his predecessors.