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Red Bull reportedly agree Isack Hadjar is the ideal long-term replacement for Verstappen

Originally posted on HITC | By David Comerford | Last updated Oct 19, 2025 3:30 AM ET

Red Bull are putting plans in place to cover themselves should Max Verstappen leave the team. The reigning world champion is locked in for 2026, but what happens after that remains up in the air.

Verstappen’s current contract runs through to the end of 2028, but there are exit clauses that could come into play before then. Much of it hinges on how competitive Red Bull can be under the new regulations, especially as they prepare to run their own engine for the first time.

The Dutchman is said to have an agreement with Red Bull that would allow him to walk away ahead of 2027 if he chooses. This clause reportedly played a key role in his decision to stick around for another season.

“I’m happy with what I decided and how I see my future at the moment,” Verstappen said earlier this month when asked about his future plans. “But yes, things always depend on performances. It doesn’t matter who you work with – if things go very poorly or whatever, naturally you change your mind anyway.”

When Sebastian Vettel left Ferrari in 2015, Red Bull promoted from within by giving Daniil Kvyat a shot. That move was consistent with their philosophy of backing young talent, though results from those decisions have been mixed lately.

Traditionally, Red Bull have often looked inside their own system first when filling seats. Tsunoda has matured noticeably since joining F1 and has built a strong working relationship with Honda – something that could prove valuable as Red Bull continues its partnership with the Japanese manufacturer.

Red Bull reportedly backing Isack Hadjar as Verstappen’s long-term successor

A report from De Limburger claims that everyone at Red Bull is fully behind Isack Hadjar, viewing the Racing Bulls driver as the ideal candidate to eventually take over from Verstappen.

The Frenchman is expected to step into Yuki Tsunoda’s seat next season, and there’s a growing sense within Milton Keynes that he has the potential to grow into a lead driver role over time.

Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Marko is reportedly keen to confirm Hadjar’s move, but others within Red Bull believe a more gradual path could benefit his development. The suggestion is that he may be better off spending another season with Racing Bulls rather than moving up too soon and being overshadowed by Verstappen, as others have been before him.

This idea was discussed with Hadjar himself, who was realistic about what it would mean. He knows just how tough it would be to go head-to-head with Verstappen so early in his career.

Red Bull’s plan if Verstappen leaves, despite Max’s contract running until 2028

Red Bull are already making backup plans in case Max Verstappen decides to leave the team. While the world champion has agreed to stay through 2026, there’s no certainty beyond that.

While his current deal stretches to the end of 2028, built-in exit clauses could allow him to walk away sooner. Much of his decision will likely hinge on how competitive Red Bull are under the new regulations, especially as they transition to running their own power units for the first time.

Verstappen reportedly has an arrangement that lets him leave after 2026 if he chooses, which was a key factor in his decision to extend his stay by another year.

This isn’t new territory for Red Bull. Back in 2015 when Sebastian Vettel left for Ferrari, they promoted Daniil Kvyat from within – a move that fit their usual approach but didn’t quite pay off as hoped. More recently, backing Yuki Tsunoda over Daniel Ricciardo hasn’t exactly strengthened their top team either.

Isack Hadjar seen as the perfect successor if Max Verstappen leaves Red Bull

A report from De Limburger claims there is a strong feeling inside Red Bull that Isack Hadjar is ready-made to step into Verstappen’s shoes. The Racing Bulls driver is viewed as someone who could eventually take over from the Dutchman down the line.

The Frenchman is set to take Yuki Tsunoda’s place at Racing Bulls next season. But there’s a belief at Milton Keynes that he has number-one driver potential in the long term.

Some voices within Red Bull feel it might be wiser for Hadjar to remain with Racing Bulls into his second season. There are concerns he could be overwhelmed by Verstappen early on, just as other young drivers have been before him.

This was reportedly discussed directly with Hadjar who didn’t shy away from reality. He understands just how big a task it would be going up against Verstappen in equal machinery.