Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, has publicly endorsed Isack Hadjar, his Red Bull Racing teammate, during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. The Dutch driver praised Hadjar’s potential and noted the significance of Red Bull Racing’s decision to extend the French-Algerian driver’s contract through 2027. This move changes the team’s approach, as Verstappen has historically cycled through short-term teammates in recent years.
[gp33.nl] reported that Verstappen emphasized Hadjar’s growth within the Red Bull Junior Team and his ability to adapt to the demands of Formula 1. “Isack is still young, but he’s been part of the RBJT for a while. Even before he joined F1, he attended races to observe,” Verstappen said, highlighting the Frenchman’s long-term integration into the team’s ecosystem. The statement aligns with Red Bull’s strategy of cultivating talent internally, a philosophy Verstappen described as “normal for a team.”
Verstappen’s Praise for Hadjar
Verstappen’s comments showed his confidence in Hadjar’s readiness to step into a leadership role. “I don’t plan to race forever. At some point, new talent has to take over,” he said, echoing Red Bull’s historical pattern of promoting young drivers. The Nederlander acknowledged that Hadjar’s youth—born in 2004—has made him feel “a bit old” but framed it as a natural progression for the team. “It’s what a team should do,” Verstappen added.
[GPFans] provided additional context, noting that Verstappen’s remarks were made during an interview with Canal+. The driver emphasized that Hadjar’s results in 2026 justified the contract extension, a rarity for Red Bull’s recent teammate rotations. Since 2018, only Alex Albon (2019–2020) and Sergio Pérez (2021–2024) have remained with Verstappen for more than one season. The Frenchman’s 2027 contract, however, suggests Red Bull is prioritizing long-term stability.
Red Bull’s Strategic Shift
The decision to extend Hadjar’s contract reflects a broader shift in Red Bull’s approach. Verstappen’s public support for Hadjar signals a departure from this trend, aligning with the driver’s own acknowledgment of his eventual retirement. “We always try to find new talent,” Verstappen said. “I think that will continue.”
[Headliner] detailed Hadjar’s background, noting his 2022 entry into the Red Bull Junior Team and his 2025 debut with Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s sister team. The Frenchman’s rise has been marked by consistent performance, including a season in 2026 that earned him the contract extension. Verstappen’s endorsement of Hadjar as a “great teammate” further solidifies the younger driver’s position within the organization.
Verstappen Says Hadjar Must Request Private Jet Flights
While Verstappen’s comments focused on Hadjar’s potential, another angle emerged from [GPToday.net]. The article revealed that Verstappen’s private jet, a Dassault Falcon 8X registered as PH-UTL, has become a symbol of the team’s culture. However, Hadjar has yet to join Verstappen on a flight, despite expressing interest. “He’s always welcome, but he hasn’t asked yet,” Verstappen said, suggesting the younger driver must initiate the request. The Nederlander’s jet, known as “Unleash the Lion,” has been a fixture in Formula 1 travel, though a recent maintenance issue during the Grand Prix of Bahrain in Malaysia disrupted its usual route.
Isack Alexandre Hadjar (Parijs, 28 september 2004) is a French-Algerian driver who joined the Red Bull Junior Team in 2022. He will make his Formula 1 debut with Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s sister team, in 2025. This background, detailed in Source 2, provides context for his rapid ascent within the organization.
Looking Ahead: Hadjar’s Role in Red Bull’s Future
Verstappen’s remarks about Hadjar’s potential as a future team leader were unambiguous. “I hope he can last longer than me,” the four-time champion said, implying that Hadjar could eventually assume a team leader role. This aligns with Red Bull’s history of promoting internal candidates.
For now, Hadjar’s focus remains on proving himself on the track. His 2026 season, marked by improved consistency and strategic adaptability, has earned him a place in Red Bull’s long-term plans. As Verstappen prepares for the latter stages of his career, the Frenchman’s trajectory will be closely watched—not just as a teammate, but as a potential successor.
Verstappen emphasized that Red Bull’s philosophy of developing young talent is integral to the team’s identity. “It’s what a team should do,” he said, reflecting the organization’s long-term vision. This approach, outlined in Source 4, shows the deliberate steps taken to ensure continuity in leadership.
Hadjar’s potential to succeed Verstappen is further highlighted by his early involvement with Red Bull’s programs. “Even when he wasn’t in F1, he attended races to observe,” Verstappen noted, a detail from Source 1 that shows Hadjar’s dedication and preparation for the sport’s highest level.
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