Who will join Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026? This is Montoya’s pick
Co-author:Tobia Elia
Estéban den Toom is an editor at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1. With a background in journalism and a keen eye for detail, he delivers daily, reliable coverage and analysis of technical developments and on-track strategy within the sport.
Juan Pablo Montoya thinks that Isack Hadjar will join Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing in 2026. The talented Frenchman is already making an impression at Racing Bulls this season, but, according to the Colombian, a move to the big Red Bull team is coming. Will this be Verstappen's new teammate?
In the run-up to the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen announced that he would stay with Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season.
GPblog previously reported that the Austrian team will not continue with the Japanese Yuki Tsunoda as the second driver alongside Verstappen.
So, a new teammate will have to join the four-time world champion in the pinnacle of motorsport.
Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda in Hungary
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Will this be Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull?
According to Montoya, Hadjar has a very strong chance of stepping into this role. The Colombian also mentioned that Lindblad, the promising talent from the Red Bull stable, is not yet ready for Formula 1.
“According to me, Lindblad is not ready for F1 yet, and at that point they will have to decide who they are going to remove from the Racing Bulls team”, Montoya told in conversation with W Radio Colombia.
“Tsunoda or Lawson? I think Hadjar will be promoted to Red Bull. Either way, 2026 could be very complicated for both Red Bull teams as they debut as an engine supplier, an aspect that will definitely not make it easier for Lindblad”, continued the former Formula 1 driver.
Hadjar about a seat at Red Bull
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The first time Hadjar was asked about a seat in the main team of Red Bull Racing, he was quite cautious.
In Hungary, Hadjar said he was ready for a step up, but that was under one condition: “If I perform at the top and make no mistakes, yes, then I am,” he told among others GPblog.
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