Hadjar is definitely being considered as a successor to Tsunoda.
Isack Hadjar is clearly emerging as a contender to become Max Verstappen’s next teammate.
Red Bull’s influential advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has made it clear that Isack Hadjar is firmly on the radar as a potential future teammate for Max Verstappen. The 20-year-old French-Algerian has impressed Marko throughout his rookie season with Racing Bulls.
Although Marko acknowledges that Yuki Tsunoda has closed the gap to Verstappen more than Liam Lawson or Sergio Perez have in the past year, he has also started to highlight Tsunoda’s ongoing errors.
“Yuki is strong-willed and emotional,” Marko told sport.de. “He simply can’t afford any mistakes — that’s crucial.”
Tsunoda’s dramatic rollover crash at Imola seems to have had consequences, as he no longer has the same 2025 car spec as Verstappen.
Meanwhile, Hadjar has also had his slip-ups — notably two significant crashes into the barriers during Friday practice in Monaco. Frustrated, he was heard calling himself “stupid” over team radio.
Marko joked, “The barriers were too close for him,” adding that Hadjar should focus on his racing rather than criticizing himself. “It wasn’t a matter of speed. Yes, he hit the wall twice, but he was quick.”
Unlike Tsunoda, now entering his fifth F1 season in 2025, Marko is more forgiving of Hadjar’s rookie errors.
“Hadjar has been a real surprise,” said Marko. “Aside from the mistake in Melbourne, he’s been fast from the outset. Like Max, he gets up to speed within three laps, even on unfamiliar tracks.”
“He’s consistently reaching Q3, always finishing in the points,” Marko added. “He flies under the radar, but he’s lightning quick.”
With more experience, Marko believes Hadjar could very well become a serious contender for the Red Bull seat currently held by Tsunoda.
