Isack Hadjar on possible Red Bull promotion: “Beating Max Verstappen is impossible”. Isack Hadjar discusses the possibility of joining Red Bull in 2026.

Red Bull promotion, Hadjar raises his hands: “Beating Verstappen? It’s impossible”

The young French driver is already imagining – though not without some caution – what it would mean to become the main candidate for the toughest job in Formula 1: being the teammate of Super Max.

The Red Bull of Max Verstappen wears down anyone who shares it

A few weeks ago, Isack Hadjar admitted that the idea of becoming Max Verstappen’s teammate in 2026 felt both exciting and frightening. Now that Red Bull’s management is approaching a final decision on the line-up of both teams for next season – Helmut Marko and Laurent Mekies had mentioned an announcement after the Qatar Grand Prix – Isack Hadjar remains the leading favourite for a promotion to Red Bull. A move that, one way or another, would define his career.

On one hand, there is the honour of driving the same machinery as Verstappen. On the other, there is the unnerving awareness that he would most likely fall into a competitive black hole, with no escape, because beating the four-time world champion in equal machinery has proved impossible for anyone ever since the early days of Daniel Ricciardo, back when the Dutchman was just beginning to make his mark in Formula 1.

Isack Hadjar speaks

It is a challenge Isack Hadjar does not want to shy away from, of course, yet one that also pushes him to prepare the ground. The young French rookie did so in an interview with the French news agency AFP, stating: “The best driver on the grid? Max. Beating him in the same car? No, he’s the best in every area. He drives better, makes fewer mistakes and has more experience.” – the Racing Bulls driver pointed out.

The 21-year-old from Paris knows exactly what he would be facing if he were chosen as Yuki Tsunoda’s replacement in a seat that has already proved burning hot for Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson and even the Japanese driver currently occupying it. “Right now he’s really like he’s at home there,” added Isack Hadjar, reflecting on how deeply connected Max Verstappen is with Red Bull. “So for now, beating Max Verstappen is impossible. So far I’ve always been stronger than all my teammates, but next to the strongest driver in the world, I would have a big opportunity to learn.” – he concluded ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.