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November 14, 2025
Isack Hadjar has expressed mixed feelings over the prospect of taking over as Max Verstappen‘s Red Bull teammate for 2026 F1 as rumours of possible promotion swirl.
While the prospect of joining the main team alongside the reigning world champion is an exciting and motivating opportunity for the 20-year-old, it also comes with an undeniable sense of intimidation.
Hadjar’s rookie season at Racing Bulls has been nothing short of remarkable, as he boasts multiple top-10 finishes capped by a maiden F1 podium at the Dutch Grand Prix.
The French-Algerian driver currently ranks ninth in the Formula 1 drivers’ standings with 38 points, cementing him as the clear frontrunner to replace Yuki Tsunoda who has struggled to deliver consistent results alongside Verstappen.
Tsunoda languishes down in 19th with only 12 points scored so far this season – three of which came while he was still Hadjar’s teammate at Racing Bulls during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend.
While Red Bull’s second seat has been notoriously difficult to master, Hadjar acknowledges the daunting challenge of matching Verstappen’s performance and living up to the high expectations of a top-tier team.
“It scares me, but it’s also incredibly exciting!” Hadjar told Canal+. “Seeing myself team up with Max? Of course! And what a line-up!
“Of course, it’s early in my career, but I may have this opportunity. You give me the same car as the best driver in the world, and he’s right next to me. I have the opportunity to compare myself to him, and I have the same chances as him.”
Quizzed by the interviewer if he was offering too much of a spoiler about the Racing Bulls driver’s future, Hadjar responded: “You’re not really spoiling, it’s the trajectory. It’s written.”
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The looming 2026 season marks a fresh start for Red Bull, with significant regulation changes and a new powertrain partnership with Ford.
This reset provides a more level playing field for all drivers which experts believe will allow Hadjar to showcase his talent on equal terms with Verstappen.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has spoken on the subject, suggesting that Hadjar with his raw speed and determination is likely the easiest and most logical choice to take over as Max Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate for 2026 F1.
Schumacher is also realistic about the challenges Hadjar will face, highlighting how difficult it can be for any driver stepping into Verstappen’s car, especially given Verstappen’s massive contribution to developing the current car.
However, the 2026 reset is seen as an opportunity for Hadjar to establish himself without the stigma of being the “second driver” which has weighed heavily on some of Verstappen’s previous teammates.
“I believe that a talented, young driver like Hadjar has to learn how to assert himself at a team like Red Bull,” Ralf said. “In a car like the current one which Verstappen developed together with the team, that’s obviously difficult.
“That’s why I say, if Hadjar had to get into the same car as Tsunoda today, Red Bull would have destroyed him too, but next year, everything will be reset to zero. That means Max starts from scratch, his new teammate starts from scratch, everyone can contribute and get the setup they need.
“Plus, Hadjar has the necessary speed. If he also suits the new concept, he’s certainly the easiest, most obvious solution as Max Verstappen’s teammate. I would hate to have to face that challenge myself.”
Red Bull is yet to publicly confirm its 2026 line-up, with the team reportedly still evaluating options.
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