Hadjar acknowledges feeling anxious about the Red Bull partnership with Verstappen.
"It frightens me, but it also exhilarates me tremendously."
17 September 2025 - 09:56
Isack Hadjar expresses that the possibility of joining Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026 is both intimidating and thrilling. The 20-year-old French driver, currently in a breakthrough rookie season with Racing Bulls, has emerged as the leading contender to take Yuki Tsunoda's seat alongside the reigning world champion. "Can I see myself collaborating with Max? Absolutely!" Hadjar stated to Canal Plus prior to the Baku GP weekend. "What a team that would be. It frightens me, but it also exhilarates me tremendously."
Hadjar also suggested that the 2026 driver lineup may already be determined. "Of course, this opportunity is coming early in my career, but it might be within my grasp," he remarked. "I will have the same car as the best driver in the world, and he’ll be right beside me. I get to compare myself to him, and I share the same opportunities as him."
Ralf Schumacher, in an interview with T-Online, acknowledged that he also views Hadjar as a likely candidate to partner with Verstappen, although he cautioned that such a position could be seen as one headed for the slaughterhouse. "Yes, that was my initial thought too," he chuckled. However, the former F1 champion believes Hadjar could have a better chance than Verstappen’s past teammates, particularly with the new regulations set to be introduced in 2026.
"I think a talented, young driver like Hadjar needs to learn how to make a name for himself on a team like Red Bull," Ralf commented. "In the current car, which Verstappen developed with the team, that’s certainly challenging. That’s why I say if Hadjar were to get into the same car as Tsunoda today, Red Bull would likely have overwhelmed him too. But next year, everything starts anew.
"This means Max starts fresh, his new teammate starts fresh, and everyone can contribute to achieving the necessary setup," the German explained. "Moreover, Hadjar possesses the required speed. If he adapts well to the new concept, he’s undoubtedly the most straightforward and logical choice as Max Verstappen's teammate." Nonetheless, Ralf admitted he would "hate" to face such an endeavor himself.
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