Isack Hadjar pinpoints 'explosive' Max Verstappen problem

Isack Hadjar pinpointed that Max Verstappen being "explosive" from the start of every grand prix means any team-mate is immediately on the back foot. 

The Racing Bulls driver has been linked to a promotion for next season, based on his impressive start to his debut campaign. 

Hadjar has been a regular in Q3 and the points positions, impressing Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. 

However, it has been argued that Racing Bulls have a better car than its sister team this year, leading to strong results for Hadjar and recently for Liam Lawson.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown went as far as stating that Red Bull would be behind Racing Bulls if not for Max Verstappen.

When asked if Brown's comment was accurate, Hadjar responded: "I don't think so," before continuing, "I think Max in the Red Bull is very fast with his car and he drives it to the absolute limit, and it's a more efficient car in high speed corners. 

"It's just, it's a faster car, but it's apparently hard to exploit most of it."

Hadjar wary of Verstappen challenge

Despite the difficulties with the RB21, Verstappen is still in contention for the F1 drivers' title, unlike Yuki Tsunoda who has scored seven points in nine grands prix. 

Tsunoda has failed to cope with the demands of partnering the four-time world champion, a challenge Hadjar accepts he would have to overcome should he receive a promotion.

Discussing if a different approach would be needed alongside Verstappen, Hadjar quickly stated: "Well, yeah, that means you would start the weekend on the back foot all the time, because he gets in the rhythm.

"He's very explosive. He gets in the rhythm very fast, so I will always have to make up that time and try and get there. 

"So definitely a different approach, something I never experienced because I never faced a four-time world champion."

Mental struggles have proven to be a regular problem for Verstappen's team-mates over the years, although Hadjar is confident he would not succumb to this challenge.

"Mentally, yes, that's one thing I'm good at," insisted Hadjar. "Only thing is, do I have the skills? But mentally, I know I'm strong, so I'm not very worried about that."