Minardi sees Hadjar as a genuine challenger to Verstappen

Former team principal Giancarlo Minardi believes Isack Hadjar is the first team-mate capable of genuinely challenging Max Verstappen. RacingNews365 reported his assessment on 29 September, after Hadjar finished third at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Hadjar reached the podium on his return from a wrist injury that had kept him out for three races. George Russell won in Baku, finishing just 0.196 seconds ahead of Verstappen after 51 laps.

Minardi said Hadjar had been told by Red Bull not to attack Verstappen late in the race. He suggested that Hadjar’s pace might otherwise have allowed him to fight for second place. That possible result is central to Minardi’s view of the competition Verstappen could face from his team-mate.

Minardi also thinks Red Bull is gradually recovering from a difficult start to the season.