In just his 14th race start, the French driver impressed by qualifying fourth and maintaining a strong race pace to finish third, earning praise from reigning world champion Max Verstappen and igniting speculation about his future at Red Bull Racing.

Rookie’s Rise and Race Mastery

Hadjar’s drive at Zandvoort stood out as a beacon of talent and composure. After a solid qualifying session, Hadjar fended off challenges from seasoned drivers including Charles Leclerc and George Russell during the race.

A critical moment arrived when Lando Norris retired late due to an oil leak, promoting Hadjar to third place on the podium.

His performance marked the first podium for Racing Bulls, the second Red Bull Formula 1 team, since Pierre Gasly's 2021 finish in Azerbaijan. Critics and fans alike noted Hadjar’s maturity on track, reinforcing his status as an up-and-coming contributor to Red Bull’s racing success. 

Verstappen’s Verdict and Future Team Dynamics

Max Verstappen hailed Hadjar’s maiden podium as “fantastic,” emphasizing the challenges rookies face in the demanding F1 environment.

Verstappen complimented Hadjar’s race craft and weekend consistency, remarking that the young driver “drove a great race” and finished the job, highlighting the Racing Bulls’ solid season performance culminating in this truck. 

On the topic of a potential promotion to the Red Bull main team in 2026, Verstappen joked about the difficulty of sharing a garage with Hadjar—a light-hearted moment revealing the budding rivalry and respect between the two drivers. Hadjar’s candid response, that he “doesn’t want to be next to Max,” added a humorous layer to their competitive dynamic. 

What Lies Ahead for Hadjar?

Hadjar’s impressive entry into Formula 1 podium contention accelerates expectations. As the 2026 season approaches, Red Bull’s management faces decisions about driver lineups and the future pairing alongside Verstappen.

With this breakout performance, Hadjar has positioned himself as a leading candidate to share the spotlight, continuing the trend of Red Bull investing in young talent ready to compete at the highest level. 

Hadjar’s Dutch Grand Prix podium represents not just a milestone for the rookie but a hint at the shifting generational landscape of Formula 1, a mix of proven champions and rising stars set to define the sport’s future.