Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar has emerged as the leading candidate to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2026 season following his remarkable third-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
The 20-year-old French-Algerian became the youngest Frenchman to achieve a Formula 1 podium and the fifth youngest in the sport's history during Sunday's race at Zandvoort.
Starting from fourth on the grid, Hadjar maintained his position throughout the 72-lap race, capitalising when Lando Norris retired with seven laps remaining.
The rookie's performance has intensified speculation about his promotion to Red Bull's senior team, particularly given current driver Yuki Tsunoda's struggles since replacing Liam Lawson after just two races this season.
Isack Hadjar became the youngest Frenchman to achieve a Formula 1 podium and the fifth youngest in the sport's history during Sunday's race at Zandvoort where he finished third
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Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve has declared with certainty that Hadjar will secure the Red Bull seat alongside Verstappen.
"He is heading to Red Bull," Villeneuve stated on The F1 Show. "There's no doubt there. There's no other way to spin it."
The 1997 champion highlighted that Hadjar has adapted to Formula 1 more successfully than any other Red Bull junior driver and, apart from Verstappen, has outperformed all current Red Bull drivers.
Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve has declared with certainty that Hadjar will secure the Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen
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Villeneuve emphasised that Helmut Marko positioned Hadjar at Racing Bulls specifically to evaluate his readiness for the senior team, and the rookie has exceeded expectations.
Despite Tsunoda's poor form costing Red Bull valuable championship points and prize money, Villeneuve believes the promotion won't happen until the winter, citing Honda's financial investment in Tsunoda's current seat as the reason for maintaining the status quo until season's end.
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Isack Hadjar has been tipped to replace Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull
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Hadjar's rookie campaign has been particularly impressive when compared directly with teammate Lawson, leading their qualifying head-to-head 12-3 across all sessions this year.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who recruited Hadjar to the junior programme in 2021, praised the youngster's adaptability to new circuits.
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"At the early stage people laughed often but now he's delivered and what's also impressive is he comes to a new circuit and after three laps he's competitive," Marko told Sky Sports F1.
Verstappen himself acknowledged Hadjar's achievement, stating the rookie should be "proud" of his podium finish.
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Max Verstappen has recognised the 20-year-old's success and potential
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"Coming in as a rookie is not easy with these cars," Verstappen said. "For him to be on the podium here is fully deserved."
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has adopted a cautious stance regarding the timing of any driver decisions, emphasising that the organisation faces no immediate pressure to announce Verstappen's 2026 partner.
"We will take our time. There's nine races to go," Mekies stated when questioned about Hadjar's promotion prospects following the Dutch Grand Prix podium.
The team boss stressed that all drivers remain under Red Bull contracts, with decisions resting solely with the Red Bull group.
Whilst acknowledging the need to inform drivers of their future in due course, Mekies indicated that Red Bull would utilise the remaining races to evaluate their options thoroughly before making any announcements about the 2026 lineup.