Sep.5 (GMM) Isack Hadjar’s path to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026 looks increasingly clear after fresh comments from both Helmut Marko and the French rookie himself at Monza.
The 20-year-old stunned with a debut podium at Zandvoort for Racing Bulls, and Red Bull’s top advisor is barely concealing his intentions. “He certainly has the mental strength to hold his own against Verstappen,” Marko told Kleine Zeitung.
He added that Hadjar shows “great emotional regulation in tight situations” – a quality he believes is “largely no longer visible in Formula 1.”
A final decision is still weeks away, but the writing appears to be on the wall for Yuki Tsunoda. “Yeah. That’s what I’m trying to do every race,” Tsunoda admitted when asked if he’s now trying to impress and convince his bosses.
“You always need results as much as possible. I try to exceed expectations and just keep doing what I’m doing. Since Laurent joined, actually, my results haven’t been too bad. Obviously, whether it’s enough or not, that’s not for me to decide.
“But I just keep pushing.”
Hadjar, meanwhile, is already talking openly about the timing of his step up to the big league. “I don’t see the point in being there now,” he said at Monza. “But next year will be different.
“It’s a fresh start for the team, and there won’t be any more talk about the second car – the second driver. It’s a new car for everyone and that also makes switching from one racing team to another considerably easier.
“Of course I’m thinking about driving for Red Bull Racing next year, but there are still nine races left, and I want to prove that I deserve my place here with the Racing Bulls first.”
Asked about talks with Marko or Laurent Mekies, he replied: “Not me personally yet. But to be honest, I’m not in a hurry.”
The current plan would see Hadjar move up from Racing Bulls, with teenage junior Arvid Lindblad tipped as his replacement while Liam Lawson looks safe for 2026.
“Fundamentally, we want to stick with our driver pool when it comes to the cockpits for 2026,” Marko explained. “If a super talent emerges, we won’t turn a blind eye, of course, but that’s not the case at the moment.”
Not everyone in the paddock envies a Red Bull call, however. Gabriel Bortoleto’s father Lincoln Oliveira told UOL Esporte that some drivers now see the seat as a poisoned chalice.
“Drivers are afraid they’ll have to take Tsunoda’s place,” he claimed. “No matter how many things need to be fixed, I’d say it’s easier to tackle things internally at Sauber than to fix the whole car at Red Bull.
“There are even jokes: ‘If Red Bull calls, I turn my phone off,'” he added.
Indeed, former Racing Bulls chief Franz Tost doubts Tsunoda has a fallback option now. “Yuki is very, very talented,” he told Speed Week. “But he still needs good results, otherwise I don’t see a future for him.”
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
Grand Prix Tours delivers the ultimate 2026 Belgian Grand Prix experience on July 19 at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Famed for its stunning setting, rich racing history, and iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Spa offers one of Formula 1’s most thrilling weekends, complete with unpredictable weather and nonstop action. With only a one-year contract in place, this could be your last chance to witness F1 at this historic circuit.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Northern Italy like a true motorsport insider on our Italian Extravaganza, the perfect lead-in to the Italian Grand Prix. Journey through the heart of Italy’s legendary supercar region with exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and more. Along the way, enjoy a unique visit to a family-run balsamic vinegar producer for an authentic tasting experience. For car enthusiasts, this is the ultimate way to elevate your Italian Grand Prix weekend.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Northern Italy for the unforgettable 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. With over 95 years of racing history, passionate Ferrari fans, and electrifying post-race celebrations, Monza delivers one of the most thrilling weekends in motorsport. Enjoy a seamless experience with accommodations in stunning Como, airport and track transfers, and an exclusive pre-race dinner with a racing celebrity, backed by our 40+ years of expertise at this iconic event.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES