Marko Compares Isack Hadjar to Senna and Schumacher Amid Red Bull's 2026 Driver Search
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko compared junior driver Isack Hadjar to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, citing his exceptional ability to quickly adapt to new circuits. This high praise comes as Red Bull deliberates its 2026 driver lineup. With other contenders facing challenges, Hadjar's strong performances and Marko's endorsement position him as a prime candidate for a senior team promotion, hinting at a significant future role in Formula 1.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has drawn an extraordinary comparison between junior driver Isack Hadjar and F1 legends Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, fueling speculation about Hadjar's potential promotion to the senior team for 2026. This comes as Red Bull weighs its options for the future alongside Max Verstappen.
Why it matters:
- Marko's high praise for Hadjar, likening his rapid adaptability to two of F1's greatest champions, signals strong internal confidence in the young driver.
- The looming decision for Red Bull's 2026 lineup is a critical one, shaping the team's competitive future.
- With current contenders Liam Lawson having previously underperformed next to Verstappen, and Yuki Tsunoda's recent results not bolstering his case, Hadjar appears to be the leading candidate.
The details:
- On the 'Beyond the Grid' podcast, Marko was asked about Hadjar's championship potential and responded with a resounding "Yes."
- Rapid Adaptability: Marko highlighted Hadjar's ability to be competitive on new circuits within just three laps, a trait he observed in both Schumacher and Senna.
- "They didn't need 15 laps or how many tests. They come, boof, and they are there," Marko stated.
- While Hadjar has raced on many F1 calendar circuits through Formula 2 and Formula 3, he has also demonstrated strong performances at new venues, such as his impressive seventh on the grid and eighth in the race on his Suzuka debut.
The big picture:
- The second Red Bull Racing seat for 2026 is a coveted position, and the team's internal junior program is a primary source for talent.
- Liam Lawson's previous stint alongside Max Verstappen did not secure him the role, and Yuki Tsunoda's recent performances, including finishing last at the Brazilian Grand Prix, haven't strengthened his claim.
- These circumstances position Hadjar as the strongest internal candidate, making Marko's public endorsement particularly significant.
What's next:
- While the final decision on Red Bull's 2026 driver lineup has been delayed, Marko's comments strongly suggest Hadjar is on the fast track.
- If Hadjar continues to demonstrate this level of rapid learning and performance, a promotion from Racing Bulls to the senior Red Bull Racing team seems increasingly probable, potentially bringing a new star to the grid who could emulate the legends he's now compared to.