Hadjar Says ‘No’ to Red Bull Drive Alongside Verstappen

20:34, 12 Jun

Updated: 15:14, 14 Jun

byTobia Elia

In recent days, there has been a lot of talk about a possible promotion for Isack Hadjar to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season — or even before the end of the current one. The French driver addressed the topic on the eve of the Canadian Grand Prix.

Becoming Max Verstappen’s teammate right away? Better not — at least for now. That’s the view of Isack Hadjar, who, despite an exceptional start to his Formula 1 career, prefers to continue his development with Racing Bulls.

“It's fair to say that. Liam [Lawson] and Yuki [Tsunoda] are both drivers of great quality, so it would logically be challenging. I am curious, that's the only word I can use, curious to see what it's like next to Max'', he said in Montreal.

He then added: “I definitely don't feel ready yet. That's a fact. It seems good to continue gaining experience where I am now.”

Isack Hadjar is in his place at Racing Bulls

Hadjar in his element at Racing Bulls

Speaking about his current car, which has so far allowed him to score an impressive 21 points compared to just four for his teammate Liam Lawson, Hadjar commented: “I learn a lot every weekend. It's a pleasant car to drive. Let's see what the future brings us.”

Not ruling out the possibility of moving to Red Bull and sitting next to Verstappen is also not something he does: “For a Red Bull Junior, it's the normal path to go there eventually.” When asked if it's therefore better to at least finish this season at Racing Bulls, he responded 'yes’.