Even after Verstappen's announcement, Red Bull continues to dominate the transfer market

21:04, 04 Sep

Updated: 21:17, 04 Sep

byLudo van Denderen

A few weeks after Max Verstappen announced he would stay with Red Bull Racing for 2026, the conversations leading up to the Italian Grand Prix are once again about the Austrian team's drivers. This time, the protagonist is Isack Hadjar, who has made his ambitions clear in Monza.

Isack Hadjar no longer keeps it a secret. Obviously, the Frenchman, who is excelling this season for Racing Bulls, is considering moving to Red Bull Racing - he admitted answering a question from GPblog. And yes, he is also ready to become Max Verstappen's teammate, the rookie shared in the very busy Red Bull Energy Station.

Because Isack Hadjar is ‘hot’. Since his surprising and impressive third place in Zandvoort just a week ago, everyone wants to know something about the young driver, from whom more and more people expect that he will move to the Austrian team after this season. Already after a single season in Formula 1, Hadjar's development has been that explosive.

Isack Hadjar is full of confidence after the Dutch Grand Prix

If Hadjar indeed makes the transition to Red Bull, this would be very bad news for Yuki Tsunoda, and to a lesser extent for Liam Lawson. The chance of the New Zealander getting promoted again to the senior team of the energy drink company after his demotion was already small, but it seems to have decreased even further after the Dutch Grand Prix.

Lawson praises teammate Hadjar

However, there is no sign of jealousy from Lawson. When this website asked the New Zealander if Hadjar is ready for the step up, he was even particularly complimentary about his teammate AND competitor.

"He's done a very good job. And in some ways, I think a lot of drivers always feel ready for another step. He's doing all the right things right now."

"But it depends on what position the car is in next year on how it is to drive. I think that's probably the biggest thing about that seat right now. So there's a lot of variables there, but as a driver he's ready to be in Formula 1. I think if you're ready to be in Formula 1 in the first place, I think you'd be ready for that kind of position."

Isack Hadjar wants to become Max Verstappen's teammate

Positive signals from Marko

When Red Bull will eventually make the decision is uncertain. It doesn't seem to take long though, because advisor Helmut Marko has already indicated that the Mexican Grand Prix will be a crucial moment. After a few words by Hadjar - again answering a question from GPblog - it can already be deduced which direction the situation seems to be going.

After the beautifully successful Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Marko was ‘satisfied’ with the rookie's performance, as the Frenchman himself admitted. “When he is, that means a lot," Hadjar laughed, thereby indicating he also has an idea of where things are headed for him.