Verstappen identifies Hadjar as his likely Red Bull successor

Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen believes Isack Hadjar is the leading candidate to succeed him as Red Bull’s front-line driver.

Hadjar joined Red Bull alongside Verstappen at the beginning of 2026 after an impressive rookie season with the team’s junior outfit, Racing Bulls. The Milton Keynes-based team had struggled for some time to find a capable teammate for the Dutchman, but Hadjar has made a strong impression in his first campaign with Red Bull.

With six rounds remaining in the 2026 season, Verstappen sits fourth in the drivers’ championship with 221 points. Hadjar is eighth on 97 points despite missing three race weekends because of a wrist injury.

Speaking to Canal+, Verstappen discussed his 22-year-old teammate.

“Isack is still a very young guy. He has been part of the Red Bull programme for some time. Even before he was racing in Formula 1, he would attend some of the races, listen in and follow what was happening.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Mark Thompson / Getty Images

“I slowly start to feel a little bit old having a younger teammate by quite a few years. But that is a normal process, and it is also what, as a team, you should be looking for, right?

“I am not going to race forever. At some point, you need new talent coming into the team who can eventually take over. Red Bull has always been good at finding new talent, and I think that will continue for a long time.

“As a teammate, he has been great. He is just getting started, but it has been really nice.”

When asked whether Hadjar could fill his role at Red Bull in the future, Verstappen added: “That is what I hope. As I said, I am not racing here forever. He has a few years on me, so hopefully he can stay around for a little longer.”

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