Formula 1 is a world where talent, strategy, and bold decisions converge to define the future of the biggest teams. At the heart of Red Bull, a new narrative is taking shape, led by Laurent Mekies, the new team boss following Christian Horner’s surprise departure in July 2025. Mekies, an engineer with more than 25 years of experience in motorsport, has set his sights on Isack Hadjar, a young French driver who is making waves in the 2025 season. According to Mekies, Hadjar’s current level surpasses that of Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese driver who has struggled to establish himself as Max Verstappen’s ideal partner. But what truly captured the attention of fans and experts was Verstappen’s reaction, who stunned everyone in the paddock with just nine words. What did the four-time world champion say? Below, we unravel this story that promises to redefine the future of Red Bull.

The 2025 season has been a challenging one for Red Bull. Although Max Verstappen remains the team’s undisputed pillar, his on-track dominance has been threatened by McLaren’s superiority and the lack of consistency of his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda. Since Tsunoda replaced Liam Lawson at the beginning of the year, his performance has not met the expectations of a team looking for a second driver capable of supporting Verstappen in the championship fight. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has acknowledged that Tsunoda’s continuity is under evaluation, and Mekies’ comments have only added fuel to the fire. In an interview with Sky Italia, Mekies did not hesitate to praise Hadjar: “He is evolving step by step, and the trend is positive. He deserves a chance in the main team.”

Isack Hadjar, just 20 years old, has burst onto the Formula 1 scene as one of the brightest prospects in Red Bull’s young driver program. His recent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he outperformed Tsunoda and scored 15 points, made him the youngest French driver to stand on the podium in F1 history. This achievement did not go unnoticed by Mekies, who previously managed Hadjar at Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s reserve team. “Isack has done an extraordinary job since the start of the season and continues to surprise us at every race,” Mekies said at Zandvoort, as reported by motorsport.com. The team principal’s confidence in Hadjar is clear: his constant evolution and ability to adapt to pressure make him a serious candidate for a Red Bull seat in 2026.

But what makes Hadjar stand out so much? His aggressive yet controlled driving style, combined with his ability to offer valuable technical feedback, reminds Red Bull engineers of Verstappen’s innate talent. At the Dutch Grand Prix, Hadjar not only competed wheel-to-wheel with the best, but also challenged Verstappen on the track, a fact that did not go unnoticed. “We were fighting with Racing Bulls, our smaller team, the whole race. It’s not fair or good,” Verstappen commented after the race, according to Marca México. While his words reflect frustration with the performance of the Red Bull car, they also underscore the impact Hadjar is having on the track.

Verstappen’s reaction to the possibility of teaming up with Hadjar was, however, what really lit up social media and headlines. When asked what it would be like to work with the young Frenchman, Verstappen replied with a smile: “It would be terrible, I don’t want anyone like him.” These nine words, spoken in a joking tone, left the paddock in shock, not because of their content, but because of the way Verstappen played into the rumors. Hadjar, laughing, replied: “I don’t want to be next to Max. I don’t like him.” The chemistry between the two, although tinged with humor, suggests that Verstappen recognizes Hadjar’s potential, but also the threat he poses to the team’s hierarchy.

Hadjar’s promotion not only puts pressure on Tsunoda but also raises questions about the future of other drivers on Red Bull’s radar, such as Liam Lawson. Lawson, who had a brief stint at Red Bull before being replaced by Tsunoda, has praised Mekies but played down the idea that his arrival guarantees a return to the main team. “Laurent has done incredible things for our team, but it’s too early to say if it will change my fortunes,” Lawson said, according to ESPN. Meanwhile, Tsunoda, aware of the pressure, commented: “Mekies joined mid-season, so I don’t think he will change anything yet.” However, his lack of consistent results has fueled speculation about his exit.

The decision on who will partner Verstappen in 2026 is one of the most anticipated in Formula 1. Helmut Marko has indicated that the choice will be made by the end of October, possibly during the Mexican Grand Prix. “We have expanded the options, and the drivers have expanded them with us,” Marko explained to Sky Germany. Mekies’ promotion to team principal appears to have brought a less relentless approach to driver changes, which could benefit Hadjar. His youth and talent position him as a long-term bet, but also as a risk, especially considering the recent struggles of other young drivers, such as Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes.

Hadjar’s impact goes beyond the numbers. His ability to generate enthusiasm among fans, especially on social media, makes him a valuable asset for Red Bull. In a sport where narrative and image are as important as results, Hadjar is capturing the fans’ imagination. His podium finish at Zandvoort, celebrated in front of an orange-clad crowd supporting Verstappen, showcased his charisma and ability to shine under pressure. Posts on platforms like Facebook, where fans share clips of his daring overtaking moves, have increased his visibility and sparked passionate debate about his future.

Red Bull, under Mekies’ leadership, is at a crossroads. With Verstappen committed until 2028, the team needs a teammate who not only complements his talent but also elevates the team’s overall performance. Mekies, with his experience at Ferrari and Racing Bulls, seems determined to back Hadjar. “Max came to me on my first day and said, ‘Forget everything you’ve read. I am and will remain at Red Bull,'” Mekies revealed to Bild. This statement not only confirms Verstappen’s loyalty but also underscores the team’s confidence in its new leader to make bold decisions.

As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes are on Hadjar and his ability to maintain his momentum. Can the young Frenchman exceed expectations and earn a place alongside Verstappen? Or will Tsunoda continue to struggle to prove his worth? Formula 1 is a sport of defining moments, and Red Bull’s decision could change the course of the championship in 2026. For now, Verstappen’s nine words resonate as a reminder that, in this sport, talent always finds a way to surprise.