Isack Hadjar, the promising Racing Bulls driver, has openly expressed both excitement and apprehension about the possibility of becoming Max Verstappen’s teammate in the future. The French–Algerian racer, who impressed during his rookie F1 season with Racing Bulls, is rumored to move to Red Bull’s senior team in 2026, a step that fills him with both anticipation and nervousness. This potential transition is seen as a significant milestone in Hadjar’s career, as he would be competing alongside the reigning world champion in the sport’s elite tier.
Hadjar’s Path to F1 and Rising Reputation Within Red Bull
Hadjar’s reputation within the Red Bull Racing ecosystem grew rapidly after an impressive 2024 Formula 2 season, where he secured four wins and finished as runner-up in the standings. His strong performance earned him a promotion to Formula 1 with the junior Racing Bulls team. During his debut F1 season, the 20-year-old driver showed consistent potential, securing seven top-10 finishes and achieving his first Formula 1 podium at the Dutch Grand Prix, further boosting his profile in the paddock.
Those achievements have made Hadjar the leading candidate to join the Red Bull senior squad from 2026 onward, where he would replace Yuki Tsunoda. Tsunoda’s struggles as Verstappen’s teammate have continued a challenging trend for Red Bull juniors stepping into this demanding role.
The Challenge of Being Verstappen’s Teammate at Red Bull
Joining Verstappen’s team at Red Bull has historically proven difficult for many drivers. Former teammates like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon encountered significant challenges coping with the pressure of such a high-caliber teammate. More recently, Liam Lawson was quickly demoted back to the junior team after only two races at the senior squad earlier in the year. Tsunoda is now widely believed to be next in line for a similar fate, with speculation growing that Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad could be promoted next season, potentially leaving Tsunoda without an F1 seat in 2026.
Hadjar Expresses Both Fear and Excitement in Facing Verstappen
In a recent interview with Canal+, Hadjar revealed his honest emotions regarding the prospect of sharing a garage with Verstappen. He acknowledged the daunting challenge but also the immense appeal of such a partnership.
“For me, [partnering Verstappen] scares me, but it also excites me like crazy,” said Hadjar.
“Seeing myself team up with Max? Of course! And what a line-up,” he also added.
The driver’s sincere acknowledgment of his mixed feelings highlights the respect he holds for Verstappen’s talent and the high expectations involved in competing at that level.
Comparing Skills With the Four-Time World Champion
Hadjar also explained how the potential to race in identical machinery alongside Verstappen would present a unique opportunity to measure his own performance against arguably the best driver in the sport. He emphasized his belief in having an equal chance to prove himself when sharing the same equipment.
“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,” Hadjar explained.
This perspective reflects Hadjar’s determination and confidence as he prepares for the possibility of stepping into one of the most competitive roles on the Formula 1 grid.
Next Steps and the Future of Red Bull’s Driver Lineup
While no official announcement has been made about Hadjar’s promotion to Red Bull’s senior team, his upward trajectory within the organization suggests such a move would be a natural progression. Replacing Tsunoda would keep Hadjar within the Red Bull family yet thrust him into a highly demanding environment alongside Verstappen.
This transition carries significant implications for Red Bull’s driver strategy heading into 2026. With Tsunoda’s uncertain future and Lindblad’s potential promotion, the team is preparing for a new driver lineup that balances youth development with maintaining a strong challenge for championships.
The Importance of Hadjar’s Potential Role Next to Verstappen
If Hadjar secures the seat alongside Verstappen, it would mark a defining chapter in both his career and Red Bull’s aspirations. Success alongside a multiple world champion would establish Hadjar as a major contender, intensifying pressure but also offering unparalleled learning opportunities. This partnership could shape the competitive dynamics of Formula 1 for years to come, as Red Bull continues to refine its driver program and strengthen its dominance in the sport.
