Schumacher crowns Hadjar as 'the best' of the rookies, hints at Red Bull promotion

“It was typical Racing Bulls again. Both were strong at the end of the race. Of course, Hadjar was again better than Liam Lawson. I have to admit, this is really a great team to watch this season,” said Schumacher on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast. The former Formula 1 driver indicated he has a high regard for Hadjar. “He truly is an exception to the rules when it comes to talent. He enters F1 and does everything right. Among the rookies, he is currently the best in my eyes,” Schumacher added.

Hadjar is currently in ninth place in the World Championship with 21 points to his name. The Frenchman also showed what he is capable of in Barcelona. As we have come to expect from him, Hadjar managed to qualify ahead of Liam Lawson for ninth place. During the race, he then took full advantage of Antonelli's misfortune and the penalty Max Verstappen received, thus securing seventh place.

After a bad weekend for Yuki Tsunoda, who failed to score any points in Spain, there was some speculation about Hadjar getting promoted. The German podcast even added to it, as they posed to Ralf Schumacher whether Hadjar could become the lead driver for the Austrian team next year. “As long as Max Verstappen drives for Red Bull, he can forget about that right away,” the former F1 driver responded.

However, the German felt it was necessary to delve deeper into Tsunoda's performance, as he fears for the Japanese driver's position. He mentioned that Tsunoda had no idea where he was lacking last weekend and suggested that a reunion with his former team boss Franz Tost might be crucial for his confidence. “They are really running the risk that all of Franz's work to prepare Yuki for Red Bull has been in vain. I know all too well what happens when a driver doesn't understand his own performance,” Schumacher said.