Isack Hadjar has emerged as one of Formula 1’s standout young drivers in 2026, earning praise for how quickly he has adapted to the no easy life alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
The 21-year-old Frenchman has faced arguably the toughest assignment of this F1 generation: stepping into a Red Bull and being measured directly against his teammate 29-year-old Verstappen. Four time world champion and one of the most admitred and respected drivers in motorsport history, by drivers themselves.
Yet Hadjar has delivered strong qualifying performances, race pace and, crucially, avoided the costly mistakes that can destroy confidence. Former F1 driver turned pundit Johnny Herbert believes Hadjar’s performances have put him firmly among the stars of the new generation.
Herbert affirmed: “Isack Hadjar has impressed me the most out of all the youngsters bar Kimi Antonelli – he’s keeping up with Max Verstappen and doesn’t make mistakes. The guy that has really shone and the one who is probably in the most difficult position of all of them is Isack Hadjar.
“Hadjar really has put himself in a very good position for his career. He has really been close to Max Verstappen. I think on average, it’s only a tenth or two difference, which is mighty impressive. What he is doing is remarkable,” declared Herbert.
Hadjar delivering when it matters
Hadjar’s progress has been increasingly visible as Red Bull have improved through the season. Herbert continued: “He can get some really good laps out of the car in qualifying, which is probably always the most difficult part of it. But he’s got some really good race pace too.
“The other thing that’s very important is that he doesn’t make that many mistakes. So, he has impressed me the most out of all the young people. He has a great future ahead of him,” predicted Herbert, while warning that Verstappen is not to be crossed.
Herbert is no stranger to attracting controversy with his F1 opinions. He was famously confronted by Fernando Alonso over comments concerning the Spaniard’s future and has also felt the wrath of Verstappen supporters. Herbert recalled: “Abuse from Max Verstappen fans was some of the worst social media reaction I’ve had as a pundit.”
But on Hadjar, his assessment reflects an increasingly difficult point to ignore: surviving alongside Verstappen is one thing. Getting close enough to make people notice is another. Young Isack is doing exactly that.