Max Verstappen endorses Isack Hadjar for a future position at Red Bull F1.
Four-time Formula 1 titleholder Max Verstappen has expressed confidence in Isack Hadjar eventually taking his place at Red Bull.
Hadjar joined the Red Bull team alongside Verstappen at the beginning of the 2026 season after showcasing his talent during his debut year with sister team Racing Bulls. While the Milton Keynes squad has faced challenges in finding a co-driver for the Dutchman capable of delivering similar performance, Hadjar has made a positive impression thus far.
With six races left in the 2026 season, Verstappen currently ranks fourth in the drivers' championship with 221 points, while Hadjar holds the eighth position with 97 points, having missed three race weekends due to a wrist injury.
In a conversation with Canal+, Verstappen shared his thoughts about his 22-year-old teammate.
"Isack, he’s still quite young. He’s been part of the Red Bull program for some time now," Verstappen remarked. "Even when he wasn’t racing in Formula 1 yet, he attended several races, observing and learning."
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing
"I’m starting to feel a bit older having a younger teammate by several years. But that’s a normal part of the process, and it’s something that, as a team, you should aim for, right?
"I won’t be racing forever, and eventually, you need fresh talent coming into the team to take over at some point. That’s been the approach of Red Bull—seeking out new talent—and I believe that will persist for a long time.
"As a teammate, he has been excellent. He’s just beginning, but it's been really enjoyable."
When asked if Hadjar could assume his role within the team in the future, Verstappen replied: "That’s what I hope. Like I said, I’m not going to be racing here indefinitely. He has a few years on me, so hopefully, he can stick around for a while longer."
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