Hadjar on the way to Red Bull as Verstappen's teammate? 'Now a chance to perform'

Isack Hadjar has already made a big impression on Ralf Schumacher this season. The French driver, according to him, could benefit from a move to Red Bull in 2026 - provided the car is better than the Racing Bulls.

Hadjar stood on the podium last weekend at Circuit Zandvoort for the first time in his career in Formula 1. He started the race from P4 and managed to maintain this position for a long time.

For a large part of the race, the fourth place seemed the highest achievable, but eventually ended up on the podium due to the dropout of Lando Norris.

"He's doing well," Schumacher said in the Boxengasse Podcast on Sky Sports about Hadjar.

As mentioned, the Racing Bulls driver is seen as a strong contender for the seat next to Max Verstappen in 2026.

The former Formula 1 driver still doubts whether a move to Red Bull is the right next step for Hadjar, but must admit that in terms of timing it could work out well.

"I have said that I might not do it. On the other hand, I need to correct myself a bit."

He continued: "Of course there is a chance next year, as everyone starts anew. Max Verstappen will also have to adjust to the new concept first. That means that for Hadjar it might actually be an opportunity to perform decently.

"The team probably doesn't expect him to beat him. The problem always lies with yourself. And Hadjar also wants to become world champion."

Racing Bulls vs Red Bull 

Asked whether Hadjar should take a possible chance to sit next to Verstappen at Red Bull, the six-time champion says: "Yes, of course you should do that, but I mean, the rules are so hard to predict what will happen next year. The engines are the same for both Racing Bulls and Red Bull, but both teams of course have the chance to build a great car."

According to Schumacher, the Red Bull is not superior in every aspect this season, when compared to that of Racing Bulls. "I almost think that the basis of the Racing Bulls is better than that of Red Bull. I would go so far as to say that Max Verstappen could theoretically compete for the championship with that car."

"I know that I will be stoned again by some people," he added.

"But I would almost say that the car is simply positioned wider, so it can handle any circuit, and I think a better compromise could have been found."

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