Former Red Bull drivers Sergio Perez and Alex Albon believe Isack Hadjar can succeed at the Milton Keynes team, as he prepares to race alongside Max Verstappen in 2026.

Williams' Albon and Cadillac's Perez both started their Red Bull careers with some promise - the latter secured 16 podiums and 3 wins in his first two seasons as the four-time world champion's teammate - but neither were able to consistently match the Dutchman, and fully cut ties with Red Bull in 2022 and 2024, respectively.

In Hadjar, however, the two experienced drivers see a talent that can thrive against Verstappen following his promotion from sister team Racing Bulls for 2026.

Albon and Perez: Hadjar is quick, but he has to 'stay cool' 

Photo: Race Pictures

When asked to give advice to the young Frenchman, Albon warned Hadjar has "a lot of learning to do" as Verstappen's new teammate, but backed the new Red Bull driver to succeed under a fresh set of F1 regulations.

Speaking to the media, including GPblog, Albon said: "I think Isack is a quick driver, and I think actually a lot of this regulation change will be good as a fresh start for everyone.

"I've seen so far he seems to be quite comfortable with the car. I think it's a lot of learning to do, not just in terms of having a quick teammate, but the car itself. I think he's going to do OK."

Meanwhile, Perez, who returns to F1 with Cadillac for the first time since his disappointing final season with Red Bull in 2024, believes Hadjar has a "massive opportunity," but said the 21-year-old has to "stay cool" in his debut season.

Perez said: "I think he's ready to come into Red Bull with such a change in the regulations. I think he's a very talented driver and he's shown that.

"I'm sure that as long as he stays cool throughout the year, you know, he will have a very successful career from now on.

"And also being teammates with Max and Red Bull, it's a great team. So I think it's a great place for him to be in at this point of his career. I think it's a massive opportunity."

Hadjar ready for Melbourne redemption on Red Bull Racing debut

Despite enjoying a hugely impressive rookie season at Racing Bulls in 2025, Hadjar's first race in Melbourne ended in disaster after a heartbreaking crash in wet conditions during the formation lap, but the young Frenchman is confident he'll make a better start to his Red Bull career in just over two weeks time.

Read here to find out more about Hadjar's preparation in the build up to his first year as a Red Bull driver.

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