Helmut Marko drops hint on potential Verstappen teammate for 2026
Helmut Marko has recently touched on the discussion of a possible teammate for Max Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2026 campaign.
The 82-year-old spoke about the possibility of Isack Hadjar teaming up with the four-time champion at the Milton Keynes outfit.
For much of the 2025 campaign, concerns have continued to emerge about the second Red Bull seat, with both Liam Lawson and his subsequent replacement, Yuki Tsunoda, failing to meet the expectations many had when they got their respective switch to the Red Bull team.
However, ahead of the Italian Grand Prix weekend, and with Hadjar’s impressive form and podium finish at the recent Zandvoort race, Marko has hinted at the French driver’s ability to hold his own against Verstappen.
Speaking with outlet Kleine Zeitung, the Red Bull advisor, when quizzed about whether Hadjar is on pole to partner Verstappen for 2026, replied:
"He certainly has the mental strength to hold his own against Verstappen."
The Austrian motorsport chief, hinting further about the direction the Red Bull team will take for its driver selection, continued:
"Fundamentally, we want to stick with our driver pool when it comes to the cockpits for 2026. If a super talent emerges, we won't turn a blind eye, of course, but that's not the case at the moment."
Ralf Schumacher backs Hadjar as Verstappen’s teammate for 2026
Earlier, Ralf Schumacher also backed Isack Hadjar to team up with Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing for the 2026 campaign. The former driver explained how it would afford the 20-year-old more opportunities to win.
The German also highlighted that the underlying agreement of Hadjar not being expected to beat Verstappen within the team would further aid his adjustment to the demands at the Milton Keynes outfit.
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