Hadjar eyes Verstappen partnership to answer crucial Red Bull question

Isack Hadjar is eager to be promoted to Red Bull to partner Max Verstappen and understand why so many drivers struggle against the Dutchman. 

Verstappen has been partnered by five different drivers in the last seven years at Red Bull, with the most recent being Yuki Tsunoda following a shock Red Bull driver swap ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. 

Red Bull decided to promote Tsunoda from Racing Bulls and drop Liam Lawson back to the junior team after an underwhelming start to the season a decision which still resulted in only Verstappen finishing in the points, with a famous win, as Tsunoda was only 12th. 

Hadjar was the second-highest Red Bull family driver in Japan, taking eighth to score his first F1 points, and has largely impressed the F1 paddock with his speed particularly over one lap, despite crashing out on the formation lap in Australia.

Hadjar recognised the difficulties several drivers have alongside Verstappen but remains hungry to receive a future promotion to Red Bull to understand why so many struggle.

"Honestly, it seems like it's really hard to be next to Max," Hadjar told select media including RacingNews365. 

"But it makes me wants to go [to Red Bull] even more, to find out why. What's going on. That's still the main target."

Hadjar already has some experience racing alongside the four-time world champion in sim racing, where he acknowledged that the 27-year-old is "very fast". 

The Racing Bulls driver's response to his embarrassing formation lap crash in Melbourne has been strong, although his personal targets remain the same.

"I think now it's quite like what I said before the season, my target would be if the car can finish in ninth or eighth, I want to be there to maximise it," he added.

"Not being outside the top 10. If the car deserves the top 10, then I need to be on it."