P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull could force Isack Hadjar into the seat next to Max Verstappen, whether he wants the promotion or not – but Juan Pablo Montoya feels the Frenchman is the right driver for the challenge.
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes that Max Verstappen should be partnered at Red Bull by Isack Hadjar. The prevailing opinion both inside and outside the F1 paddock is that Yuki Tsunoda is not meeting expectations at the Milton Keynes team. Tsunoda, who replaced Liam Lawson early in the season, has failed to impress alongside the four-time F1 drivers’ champion. In contrast, rookie Isack Hadjar has done well at Racing Bulls, collecting 21 points in the opening 10 rounds without being eliminated in qualifying. The pressure is on Tsunoda, who is out of contract at the end of the year and may not be kept by Red Bull. Despite Red Bull’s stance on no unforced driver changes, there is speculation that Hadjar could be promoted to race alongside Verstappen later this season. Montoya highlights that the decision ultimately lies with Helmut Marko and Red Bull, rather than the drivers themselves.
