Former Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has identified Isack Hadjar as the driver he would sign alongside Max Verstappen if he owned an F1 team. Villeneuve cited Hadjar’s aggressive and intense mentality as a key factor in his selection.
Red Bull Racing officially confirmed Hadjar as Verstappen’s teammate for the 2026 season in December 2025. This decision followed Hadjar’s impressive rookie campaign in 2025 with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
During his debut season, Hadjar secured a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, demonstrating the potential that caught Villeneuve’s attention. Villeneuve believes Hadjar’s approach is ‘tailored for Verstappen’ and aligns with the Red Bull philosophy.
Verstappen is currently under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season. However, performance-related exit clauses exist within his agreement, which could allow him to depart earlier.
Speculation regarding Verstappen’s future has been ongoing, particularly concerning a potential move to Mercedes. Despite this, Verstappen confirmed his commitment to Red Bull for the 2026 season in July.
His manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has indicated that Verstappen intends to fulfill his contract with Red Bull, provided the team can supply a competitive car. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has also emphasized the team’s focus on car development to retain Verstappen.
The 2026 Formula 1 season has seen Mercedes start strongly, securing victories in early races, including the Australian Grand Prix and the sprint race in China. Kimi Antonelli currently leads the Drivers’ Championship.
Verstappen is currently positioned seventh in the Drivers’ standings. Red Bull is presently behind both Mercedes and McLaren in the constructors’ championship.
Lando Norris, another driver mentioned in broader discussions, is contracted to McLaren until at least the end of the 2026 season, with indications suggesting his deal extends into 2027. Norris secured the F1 World Drivers’ Championship in 2025.
Mercedes’ 2026 driver lineup features George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, a pairing confirmed in late 2025. This solidifies their roster for the new technical regulations era.
