Sergio Perez believes that both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc would face significant challenges if they were to compete alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Perez issued a cautionary message to Isack Hadjar, who is expected to become Verstappen’s new teammate.
Hadjar secured his place in Formula One following Perez’s departure from Red Bull in December. The young French-Algerian driver has impressed with a podium finish and eight top-10 results in 2025, placing him in a strong position in the championship standings.
With Yuki Tsunoda’s struggles and Liam Lawson’s past difficulties, Hadjar is considered the frontrunner to partner Verstappen in 2026. However, Perez advised Hadjar to carefully consider the challenges ahead.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 before the Mexican Grand Prix, Perez emphasized the tough environment at Red Bull, especially alongside Verstappen. He highlighted the immense pressure and difficulties that any driver would face in that role.
The rapid rise of 21-year-old Hadjar has surprised many, including himself. Despite the ongoing speculation, he expressed a desire to focus on his performance in the remaining races of the season.
Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has indicated that the team will finalize their driver lineup decisions after the Mexican Grand Prix, making the upcoming race crucial for Hadjar, Lawson, and Tsunoda.
As the race approaches, Hadjar is optimistic about his prospects, starting in eighth place on the grid behind the current World Championship leader, Oscar Piastri. He acknowledged the importance of performing well and remaining focused on his goals.
Looking ahead, Hadjar expressed satisfaction with his season so far and emphasized his determination to continue pushing for success.
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