Former F1 driver issues outlandish Verstappen team-mate claim

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has suggested Isack Hadjar should have been promoted to Red Bull instead of Liam Lawson this year.

Red Bull opted to part ways with Sergio Perez at the end of the 2024 campaign and promoted junior driver Lawson to fill the second seat alongside Max Verstappen.

Lawson's move freed up a drive at the sister Racing Bulls outfit, with Hadjar penning a deal following a successful Formula 2 season that saw him finish runner-up in the drivers' standings.

Hadjar is one of several rookies on the grid this year - and despite having never entered a grand prix before, Montoya views the Frenchman as a viable option for Red Bull.

“I see Hadjar as the next Oscar Piastri, if I was at Red Bull I would have put Hadjar in the the seat rather than Liam Lawson,” Montoya told CasinoApps.

“Hadjar would have been easier to manage and a better teammate to Max Verstappen."

Hadjar 'the one to watch' from F1 rookie group

Hadjar joins several of his F2 rivals on the F1 grid this year, including Gabriel Bortoleto, Oliver Bearman and Kimi Antonelli.

The latter has made the switch to Mercedes and is likely to have the most competitive machinery of the drivers who have not yet entered a grand prix.

While Montoya backs the Italian to impress, the Colombian suggested Hadjar is the best prospect from the 2025 debutants.

"Antonelli should be the rookie that impresses the most, but I think Hadjar will be the one to watch this season. 

“He's the most complete rookie, he didn't have a big advantage and other young drivers did, but Hadjar has been consistently good throughout his career.”