French newcomer Isack Hadjar has swiftly emerged as a strong contender for a spot at Red Bull Racing in the 2026 Formula 1 season and has shared his thoughts on the possibility of becoming Max Verstappen’s teammate. Hadjar’s first season with Racing Bulls has seen him secure eight points finishes, including a notable podium at Zandvoort.
His consistent performances, coupled with the challenges faced by Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, have positioned Hadjar as a strong candidate for the main team. He has openly acknowledged the opportunity and difficulty of joining Red Bull alongside Verstappen, recognizing the high competitive bar set by the current world champion.
Having stepped in for Liam Lawson and outperformed Yuki Tsunoda in multiple races, Hadjar’s impressive progress has not gone unnoticed within the Red Bull hierarchy. He has stressed that his aim in F1 is to compete with the best, rather than merely participating for experience or financial gain.
“It’s the ultimate goal. That’s why I’m in Formula 1. It’s not just about being there and driving, earning money, and heading home,” Hadjar stated. “I’m not here for that; I’m here to challenge the best and showcase my abilities. When you have Max as a teammate, there’s no better benchmark.”
“While it’s somewhat daunting, it also greatly excites me to potentially be his teammate one day,” he added.
Strategically, Hadjar is focused on maintaining consistency and capitalizing on opportunities for more podium finishes for the remainder of the season. He understands that strong performances in the upcoming races could bolster his chances, especially if he can deliver another standout result.
“If there’s one more weekend to make a difference, then I need to perform well,” he emphasized. “Honestly, I have no regrets this year about what I’ve accomplished, and I don’t believe one weekend will alter the decision unless I secure a podium or win the race.”
“I’m content with my season. I’ll continue to push and strive to place that car in the top 10 this time,” Hadjar remarked.
His ascent coincides with a pivotal period for Red Bull as the team looks to shape its future driver lineup.