Rookie Frenchman making strong claim for Red Bull second seat

At Zandvoort, he held his own against seasoned rivals George Russell and Charles Leclerc. For a rookie with only 15 Grand Prix to his name, that composure was impossible to ignore.

The podium ended a dry spell since a strong run earlier in the season, when Hadjar posted three consecutive top-10 finishes between mid-May and early June.

A retirement at Silverstone and a 20th place in Belgium followed, but qualifying fourth in the Netherlands set the stage for his finest race yet. Lando Norris’ misfortune opened the door to the podium places, but Hadjar’s pace ensured he stayed there.

Helmut Marko was quick to label him "special" and has dubbed him "little Prost" in reference to four-time world champion Alain Prost. Observers agreed the podium was earned through speed and nerve rather than luck.

Fittingly, Hadjar’s helmet carries equations in tribute to his quantum physicist father, a nod to his analytical, cool-headed style.

The timing could hardly be better. Current Red Bull incumbent Yuki Tsunoda is under pressure and has reportedly been given six races to prove he belongs in the senior team. 

His 2025 tally sits at just 12 points, 19th in the standings, compared with Hadjar’s 37 for Racing Bulls. The contrast is stark, and the spotlight has shifted firmly onto the Frenchman’s potential.

A leadership change may also help. Laurent Mekies, who previously managed Hadjar at Racing Bulls, now holds greater influence at Red Bull and knows the rookie’s strengths well.

Still, caution remains. Former world champion Nico Rosberg warned against rushing Hadjar into Verstappen’s orbit, citing the Red Bull "curse” that has undone promising drivers before him.

"No, no. It’s not a difficult one. You just say no," Rosberg told Sky Sports F1, via Express, at the Canadian Grand Prix. "There is no choice. You do not go there. You do not go next to Max Verstappen.

"All these guys… look at Albon, how he’s performing against Sainz, who is an absolute proven race winner, world class. And he was also six, seven tenths off Max every single time."

For now, though, Hadjar’s results are making the strongest argument. A maiden podium, growing consistency and visible backing from Red Bull’s hierarchy have made him the clearest threat to Tsunoda’s seat. Whether in 2026 or sooner, Hadjar looks ready to stake his claim at some point.