Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar has revealed mixed emotions about potentially partnering Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season, explaining the opportunity "scares" him.
The 20-year-old French driver, speaking in preview clips from an upcoming Canal+ programme, acknowledged the daunting nature of joining Formula 1's dominant force.
"It scares me, but it's also incredibly exciting," Hadjar admitted when discussing the possibility of becoming Verstappen's team-mate.
The rookie's candid assessment comes amid mounting speculation that he will replace Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull for the 2026 season, marking a rapid rise through the sport's ranks.
Isack Hadjar has been tipped to replace Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull | GETTYHadjar's inaugural Formula 1 campaign has exceeded expectations, with the former F2 driver currently holding ninth position in the drivers' championship after 16 races.
His standout achievement came at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, where he secured his maiden podium finish with third place.
The French driver has accumulated points in seven races this season, demonstrating remarkable consistency for a rookie.
Isack Hadjar scored a surprising podium at the Dutch Grand Prix | REUTERSHis impressive performances represent a strong recovery from a challenging debut at the Australian Grand Prix, where he crashed during the formation lap.
Red Bull's second seat has proved problematic throughout 2025, with Tsunoda managing just 12 points compared to Verstappen's 230 after 16 races.
The Japanese driver's struggles mirror those of previous team-mates who have failed to match the Dutch champion's pace.
Isack Hadjar seems to be the most likely to replace Yuki Tsunoda | REUTERS
Liam Lawson's brief stint earlier this season ended after just two races, leading to Tsunoda's promotion from Racing Bulls.
The vast points differential between the teammates exceeds even the gap Verstappen enjoyed over Sergio Perez in 2024, before the Mexican was bought out of his contract.
Multiple sources suggest Tsunoda's underwhelming performances have sealed his fate at the Milton Keynes-based team.
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Hadjar expanded on his enthusiasm during the Canal+ interview, expressing confidence about potentially racing alongside the world champion.
"Seeing myself team up with Max? Of course! And what a line-up," he stated.
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Max Verstappen is said to be getting a new team-mate next year, with Isack Hadjar the most likely candidate
|REUTERS
The young driver emphasised the unique opportunity such a promotion would present.
"You give me the same car as the best driver in the world, and he's right next to me. I have the opportunity to compare myself to him, and I have the same chances as him," Hadjar explained.
When questioned whether his comments revealed too much about his future, Hadjar responded cryptically: "You're not really spoiling, it's the trajectory. It's written."
Arvid Lindblad appears the frontrunner to fill Hadjar's Racing Bulls seat, with the 18-year-old currently seventh in Formula 2.
The British driver has claimed both sprint and feature race victories in his debut F2 campaign.
Marko praised Lindblad's performance during a free practice outing at this year's British Grand Prix, highlighting his speed and technical feedback.
Meanwhile, Tsunoda's future could lie with Aston Martin, given his connections to Honda ahead of their factory partnership in 2026.
Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies has stressed no final decisions have been made, noting the organisation holds contracts with all drivers and can take time finalising their 2026 line-up.
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