Isack Hadjar is already envisioning himself alongside Max Verstappen: "In terms of mentality, we have things in common."

The information has been official since Tuesday, but it almost feels like it was known since the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. For Isack Hajjar, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be his last appearance with Racing Bulls in [year missing]. F1Events have moved quickly since Losail, to the point that the smile seemed not to leave the person concerned since the last race weekend.

"This is an exceptional moment in my career, that's for sure," he commented upon arriving in Abu Dhabi. All my efforts over the years are finally paying off. Of course, this is just the beginning of a new adventure, but I'm very excited to start a new era in Formula 1. I think the timing is perfect.

Although pure performance is now at the heart of his famous new adventure in Formula 1, the French driver does not expect to quantify his objectives. "I simply spoke with Helmut. He made it clear to me that I was driving for Red Bull and that I had to perform well. That's all. he detailed. I don't have any particular expectations, as everyone is starting from scratch. So yes, the work will get done. I'm really looking forward to January and February, working with the team and getting to know everyone. Yes, it will be crucial to be a little ahead of schedule.

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Hadjar has no inferiority complex

Far from seeing himself as the second-string player in a Max Verstappen Despite being at the peak of his career, Isack Hajdjar refutes the theory that he would become yet another sacrificial lamb within the Red Bull fold. According to him, the four-time world champion will not start with such an advantage in terms of understanding.

“It won’t be the same car at all next year. We’ll have the car we have. The team will build it. I have to adapt to it, and Max will have to do the same job.” he elaborated confidentlyAnd if the car evolves in a certain direction, at least I'll be there to feel the change. And ideally, I'll be able to contribute to it. That would be the ideal scenario. And besides, you know, I've never done the same thing two years in a row. I've always driven different cars, so I don't know what it's like to do the same thing twice, the same job. So I think I'm pretty good at adapting, I'm confident.

While still keen to demonstrate his admiration for Max Verstappen, Isack Hadjar reiterated how his future teammate aspired to be unique. However, the Dutchman's often-criticized, yet effective, character might, in its current state, suggest a certain number 6.

“Of course, since it’s a new regulation, the timing is really ideal for me. As for styles, Max is obviously unique – he has a very particular style – and so do I, I would say. So I’m not trying to copy him. But in terms of mentality, we have things in common,” defended the Tricolore. What I find very impressive about Max is that after four world championships, he still has an insatiable thirst for victory and an undiminished will to win when things don't go as planned, because he always wants to win. And, you know, I don't think all champions are capable of that. Once you reach a certain level, you can perhaps ease off, but he seems to have the same thirst for victory as me. It's truly impressive.