Schumacher backtracks on Hadjar to Red Bull timeline
Isack Hadjar during the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Image: Race Pictures
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Isack Hadjar has taken the F1 world by storm, and a potential switch to Red Bull Racing grows in strength with each race weekend. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has now reconsidered his previous statements regarding when the French Algerian driver should make the move to the Austrian team.
Hadjar's season started in the worst way possible after the rookie parked his Racing Bulls drive on the barriers on the formation lap at the inaugural race of the season, the Australian Grand Prix.
Since then, though, Hadjar has shown resilience and skill, outperforming both of his teammates this year, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, on a consistent basis, and even managing a P4 qualifying result at Zandvoort, which then translated into his first F1 podium following a sterling drive and Lando Norris' untimely DNF at the Dutch Grand Prix.
In Italy the French Algerian talent, having started from the pitlane, was able to reach the final point-scoring place, P10, during the race, with another remarkable drive.
The former F1 driver turned analyst had previously advised against Hadjar taking the seat next to Verstappen in 2026, arguing Racing Bulls also needed a strong leader.
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Schumacher backtracks on when Hadjar should move to Red Bull
However, that opinion has now shifted. The German is of the idea that the rookie would be a good option for Red Bull to partner Verstappen with next year.
"If you're looking for someone strong next to Max Verstappen, next year is actually the best for him [Hadjar]," Schumacher said in Sky's Boxxengasse Backstage podcast. "Because everything starts from scratch. Anything can happen."
In 2026 Formula 1 faces the most dramatic and comprehensive regulation change in its history, which encompasses the power unit, fuel, tyres, aerodynamics and chassis altogether.
"This is the best chance to get next to him [Verstappen] with the new car."
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According to Schumacher, Hadjar would have the speed and the mental endurance to take the second Red Bull seat alongside Verstappen.
He then advised Hadjar not to wait should a promotion to the Austrian team come his way, outlining that "the risk is great", as the groundwork for the Red Bull car under the new era of the regulations will have come a long way after 2026. "That's why I have to change my opinion that I had a few weeks ago and say: If so, then next year," Schumacher concluded.
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