Jacques Villeneuve thinks Isack Hadjar has privately been told what F1 team he’ll be driving for in 2026

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Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar is the man of the moment after securing his first Formula 1 podium at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Heading into the weekend, Isack Hadjar had belt issues and a power unit failure that meant his running in free practice was severely limited.

However, that didn’t stop the Racing Bulls rookie from taking P4 in qualifying, beating both Ferrari drivers and George Russell.

Hadjar would have known overtaking is difficult at Zandvoort, but might not have anticipated Charles Leclerc not being able to find a way past him in the opening laps.

Leclerc and Russell’s clash later in the race relieved some of the pressure, before Lando Norris’ late mechanical failure suddenly promoted him into P3.

Hadjar held his nerve, and while he never got within touching distance of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen ahead of him, he still pulled off a remarkable result for Alan Permane’s team.

Jacques Villeneuve was very impressed with the young Frenchman after the race and believes he might have already been told Red Bull’s plans for him in 2026.

READ MORE: Who is Racing Bulls 2025 F1 driver Isack Hadjar? Everything you need to know

Jacques Villeneuve thinks Isack Hadjar has already been told he’s racing for Red Bull in 2026

Bernie Collins, Naomi Schiff and Villeneuve were discussing Hadjar on Sky Sports F1 (31/8 4:53 pm) after his podium finish.

Collins said: “He’s having an incredible season. We discussed it pre-race as well, and he did exactly what he needed to do today.

“He knew it was going to be a hard fight with Leclerc, he seems to have done his research overnight.

“What does he need to do to keep him behind? Can he hold onto that position? Very, very good race from him today to make sure he was in the best possible position.

“And yes, he benefited from Norris, but he was right there, he was in the position he needed to be to benefit from them both.”

Villeneuve explained: “He seems to be good under pressure, and he’s young, he’s a rookie. He doesn’t have that much experience.

“He went through the smaller categories; he’s climbed very quickly through the ranks.

“When he gets a beating, he stands up even stronger! So, he seems to be the real deal, and I think he’s already in the big car next year; they’re just waiting to announce when.”

Schiff concluded: “As you said, this weekend started poorly for him with belt problems and then a PU issue; he didn’t drive very much.

“And then to turn it around like that was fantastic.

“He had pressure like he said from Russell, from Leclerc, from all of those, all whilst not being allowed to put pressure on Max because there were a few times when he was almost within DRS zone with Max, and I felt he was managing that gap because I’m not sure he’s allowed to pass the sister team.”

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Helmut Marko has delivered a ‘very telling’ response on Isack Hadjar’s future

One of the people Hadjar knows he needs to impress within the Red Bull set-up is Helmut Marko.

Marko has started and ended plenty of drivers’ Formula 1 careers in the past, and looks set to play a key role in the Frenchman’s future.

Marko gave a ‘very telling’ response when asked about Hadjar’s future, with all indications pointing towards replacing Yuki Tsunoda next year.

Although none of Verstappen’s teammates have been able to get close to him over the past few seasons, next year’s changing regulations could make the Red Bull an easier car to drive.

If that’s the case, then for the first time in years, Red Bull could have two competitive drivers.