Hadjar's Red Bull Future: Ralf Schumacher Sees 2026 as Key Opportunity

Ralf Schumacher believes Isack Hadjar, who has already made a significant impression this season, could potentially join Red Bull in 2026. This move, however, hinges on the 2026 Red Bull car being superior to the Racing Bulls challenger.

Why it matters

The discussion around Hadjar's future highlights the intense competition for a coveted Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen. With new regulations looming, 2026 presents a unique reset, offering a potential window for a promising young talent like Hadjar to shine.

The big picture

Hadjar recently made a strong impression at Circuit Zandvoort with a podium finish, drawing praise from Schumacher. The young Racing Bulls driver is now considered a strong contender for a Red Bull spot in the post-2025 era. While Schumacher initially expressed doubts about the timing, he now sees 2026 as a strategic opportunity.

• "He's doing well," Schumacher stated on the Boxengasse Podcast on Sky Sports.
• Schumacher believes the regulatory reset in 2026 could level the playing field, requiring even Max Verstappen to adapt to a new car concept.
• This adaptation period could offer Hadjar a chance to perform decently without the immediate pressure of directly outperforming a seasoned champion.
• "The team probably doesn't expect him to beat him," Schumacher noted, acknowledging Hadjar's personal ambition to become a world champion.

Racing Bulls vs Red Bull Car Basis

Schumacher weighed in on the performance comparison between the two teams.

• He suggests that while both teams will use the same engines in 2026, the car's foundational design is crucial.
• Intriguingly, Schumacher posited, "I almost think that the basis of the Racing Bulls is better than that of Red Bull," suggesting that a better compromise might have been found in its design.
• He even went so far as to claim, "Max Verstappen could theoretically compete for the championship with that car [Racing Bulls]," a statement he acknowledged might draw criticism.

What's next

Should an opportunity arise to join Red Bull alongside Verstappen, Schumacher asserts Hadjar should seize it. The unpredictable nature of the 2026 regulations means both teams have an equal chance to develop a competitive car, making Hadjar's potential move a calculated gamble with high stakes.