Isack Hadjar Earns Strong Backing as Verstappen's Best Teammate Since Ricciardo

Isack Hadjar has emerged as a standout in Red Bull's troublesome second seat, with a recent poll indicating fans view him as Max Verstappen's strongest teammate since Daniel Ricciardo's departure in 2018. The 21-year-old has scored 68 points through 11 rounds, including seven consecutive top-six finishes, offering rare stability in a role that has chewed up multiple drivers.

Why it matters:

The second Red Bull seat remains one of Formula 1's most demanding assignments. After Ricciardo left, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon were quickly demoted after struggling to match Verstappen, while Sergio Perez provided continuity before eventually faltering. Hadjar's early consistency suggests he may finally be breaking the cycle of turbulence that has defined the position for nearly seven years.

The details:

• Fan backing: A RacingNews365 poll showed 76.45% of voters rated Hadjar as Verstappen's best teammate since Ricciardo, either immediately or as someone who will surpass Perez with time.
• Historical context: Gasly scored 63 points across 12 races in 2019 before being demoted, while Albon managed two podiums over 26 races. Perez brought five wins and 29 podiums in four seasons but was replaced after a difficult 2024.
• Hadjar's record: The Frenchman has achieved a best finish of fourth in Monaco and strung together seven consecutive top-six results from Canada to Hungary, despite two early retirements.
• Recent struggles: Last season highlighted the seat's volatility, with Liam Lawson scoring zero points in two races and Yuki Tsunoda managing just 30 points across 22 rounds without a podium.

What's next:

Hadjar's upward trajectory in a seat where rhythm has historically proven elusive bodes well for his future. If he maintains this consistency through the second half of the season, he could solidify his place alongside Verstappen and finally give Red Bull the long-term stability it has sought since 2018.