Racing Bulls's CEO releases firm statement amid Verstappen-Hadjar rumors

Arriving in Formula 1 amid some skepticism, Hadjar is proving to be the real breakthrough of the 2025 season so far, having scored a remarkable 21 points and showing increasing competitiveness compared to teammate Liam Lawson.

The New Zealand driver himself was demoted to the Faenza team after just two races due to disappointing results in Australia and China.

In his place, Helmut Marko chose Yuki Tsunoda, although the Japanese driver is also overshadowed by Verstappen, sparking speculation about his future with the Austrian team. The name most often mentioned as Tsunoda’s replacement is once again Hadjar.

However, Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayes believes the Frenchman should not move to Red Bull’s top F1 team prematurely to avoid the same fate that befell Lawson and Tsunoda.

"Please don't take this talent away from us too soon. He needs to learn until the end of 2026. Until then, we might as well put him in shackles!", he told Blick.

According to Marko, moreover, any driver will fail alongside Verstappen as long as they try to copy what the Dutchman does: “As long as Max's teammates try to reach his level or copy him, they will fail!"

The big question, of course, is if and when Red Bull will promote Hadjar. Meanwhile, Arvid Lindblad is eager to make his Formula 1 debut with one of the two Red Bull teams. The 17-year-old British driver is regarded as an exceptional talent, considered even more promising than Hadjar.

Does Red Bull have choose to place Lindblad with Racing Bulls or straight alongside Verstappen?