Following the Dutch Grand Prix, two-time world champion Max Verstappen didn’t just celebrate his second-place finish—he also lauded the “fantastic” performance of rookie Isack Hadjar, who secured a surprise podium.
Hadjar, driving for the Racing Bulls team, finished third in his 14th career F1 start.
Verstappen was quick to commend the young driver, telling reporters that Hadjar’s podium was “fully deserved” and a testament to his strong weekend and great race. “Coming in as a rookie is not easy with these cars,” Verstappen added.
The mutual respect between the two drivers was evident in a light-hearted exchange about Hadjar’s future.
When asked about the possibility of Hadjar joining him at Red Bull in 2026, Verstappen jokingly said, “Terrible, I’m joking.” Hadjar, in on the joke, quipped back, “I don’t want to be next to Max. I don’t like him. That’s it.”
The podium is the first for Racing Bulls since 2021 and has solidified Hadjar’s reputation as a promising talent in the world of Formula 1.
