Who will join Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026? This is Montoya’s pick

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.

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.

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.