Isack Hadjar says Max Verstappen is at the peak of his powers

Isack Hadjar describes Max Verstappen as being at the “peak of the peak” of his Formula 1 level. The driver says he is fortunate to have such a team-mate, while recognising the scale of the challenge that comes with facing him every day.

Hadjar recently secured a contract extension that keeps him with the Milton Keynes outfit through the 2027 season. He now has to contend with Verstappen in a role widely regarded as particularly difficult. “I know I’m probably facing the highest level you can reach in Formula 1, and he’s right next to me in the garage,” he said.

The driver also recognises what the experience means at this point in his career. “To experience this at my age, so early in my career, is an immense piece of luck. For that, I’m grateful, and it’s great,” he added. Rather than describing the proximity as a burden, Hadjar says he enjoys the internal contest: every session gives him a benchmark to match, or even beat. “I love the challenge. I love going into every session knowing he’ll set a benchmark I have to match and overcome. It’s exciting. It changes everything I’ve known throughout my career.”

Hadjar believes his one-lap speed compares well, but distinguishes that from race performance, where Verstappen’s execution appears to him unmatched. He says he has found on track the driver he expected to see: “I had an idea of how good he was, and what I see on track matches that impression really well.”

The difference, he continued, comes down to consistency. Verstappen delivers what Hadjar is also trying to achieve, but repeats his performances with a regularity that creates separation. Even when a driver excels in certain corners, Verstappen can maintain his level elsewhere. “He doesn’t really have low moments. He makes few mistakes and is always in the right place at the right time.” For Hadjar, it is this ability to stay at a very high level, rather than one exceptional lap, that makes his team-mate so difficult to beat.