Max Verstappen has put his weight behind Isack Hadjar's theory that 2026 is the perfect year for him to step into the Red Bull team. The French-Algerian prodigy looks to become the first in a long line of challengers to avoid being destroyed by the four-time world champion in a head-to-head battle.

Red Bull's 2025 season was a rollercoaster ride as behind-the-scenes struggles bled into on-track results, but the Milton Keynes squad's most significant issue was made abundantly clear by the World Championship standings.

When the chequered flag dropped in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen was just two points behind world champion Lando Norris, while Yuki Tsunoda was classified in 17th. Red Bull ended the year third in the Constructors' Championship, but would have been a long way clear of second-placed Mercedes, had the second car scored more than a measly 30 points.

Results in previous seasons were not enough to secure Tsunoda's seat for 2026, and he was moved into a test and reserve driver role. Hadjar, who dazzled during his rookie campaign with Racing Bulls, was called up to partner Verstappen next year.

Despite the daunting task ahead of him, Hadjar is quietly confident. "I mean, to be honest, at the start of the year, they were asking me if I was feeling ready to jump in the Red Bull this year," he revealed in September.

"The answer is still no. I don't see the point of doing that right now. But 26 is a different question because it's a brand new start for the team. There wouldn't be talk of the second car, this familiar thing, because it's a brand new car for everyone. You actually will be in a phase where you need to direct the car in the right direction. I think this is actually interesting."

Verstappen backed up Hadjar's theory in a post-season interview with Viaplay. "Yes, that's very different, of course," he confirmed. "Also, a new car, new regulations, so in that respect, I think it's the right time to step in."

Whereas recent team-mates Liam Lawson and Tsunoda have jumped in with wild ambitions of matching Verstappen's pace, only to fall short in spectacular fashion, Hadjar is tempering expectations heading into his first season with Laurent Mekies' squad.

"If anything, the goal is to accept that I'm going to be slower [during] the first months," he explained. "I think that if you go into that mindset, you accept already that it's going to be very tough - looking at the data and seeing things you can't achieve yet, it's going to be very frustrating.

"But if you know, then you're more prepared. You never know. Maybe the way you have to drive this [Racing Bulls] car is suiting me perfectly. But at the same time, it's Max Verstappen. He doesn't have a driving style; he adapts to what he's given. That's what makes his strength."