Sep.3 (GMM) Isack Hadjar looks increasingly destined to line up alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026.
The 20-year-old French rookie stunned with his Zandvoort podium in the junior Racing Bulls car, becoming the nation’s youngest-ever driver on a Formula 1 rostrum – while Yuki Tsunoda continues to struggle at the senior team.
Dr Helmut Marko, long effusive in his praise of Hadjar, said the result was no surprise.
“Not really surprising,” he told Osterreich newspaper, “if you’ve followed Hadjar’s path into Formula 1 and what he’s made of it.”
Marko then turned on his interviewer for previously praising 19-year-old Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli.
“You parroted Toto Wolff who said what a great driver Kimi Antonelli is,” Marko snapped.
When the journalist defended Antonelli’s stronger junior record and preparation, Marko replied: “Sure, but with 10,000 km of practice in a two-year-old car, with which Mercedes let him practice day and night. Before this season, Hadjar had maybe 500km in a Formula 1 car.”
Hadjar’s early 2025 season was far less glorious – including crashing on the formation laps in Melbourne and breaking down in tears.
“He laid it on a bit too thick,” Marko recalled. “At the very least he could have taken off his helmet so everyone would have seen that he wasn’t really crying.
“It’s true – those times weren’t always easy, but the speed was always there, and in the end he put it all together perfectly.”
So why wasn’t Hadjar – instead of Tsunoda – given the Red Bull seat earlier in the year when Liam Lawson faltered after just two races?
“Because for that he needs a certain amount of routine,” said Marko. “In a top team the pressure is much greater, as you can also see at Mercedes.”
Marko stopped short of confirming Hadjar’s definite Red Bull promotion, but his smile told its own story. “We’ll see,” he said.
“We have until October to make that decision.”
Still, the Austrian advisor admits Hadjar’s off-track character makes him an ideal candidate. “He’s a funny fellow. And highly intelligent – his mother is deputy HR director at a company with 4,000 employees, his father is a nuclear physicist.”
Marko also suggested a reunion with team principal Laurent Mekies, Hadjar’s former boss at Racing Bulls, will be ideal.
“Mekies is a superb engineer, which with the complexity of Formula 1 today is a huge advantage,” said Marko. “He’s also good with people – the atmosphere is completely different from before.”
And is Max Verstappen himself also happier in this new post-Christian Horner era?
“It’s going very well,” said a relieved Marko. “He has observed everything over the past weeks and is convinced it’s heading in the right direction.”
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a fan favorite on the F1 calendar. The city comes alive for race week packed with energy, events, and unforgettable nightlife. This year, the action shifts to Memorial Day weekend (late May), part of F1’s new, eco-friendly schedule. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the atmosphere where motorsport meets Montreal magic. Book your spot now this one sells out fast!
SHOW PACKAGES