Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has hinted that the team is likely to retain Isack Hadjar for the 2027 campaign.
Hadjar joined the Milton Keynes-based squad this year, becoming the latest name to be paired alongside Max Verstappen after a series of competitors failed to impress.
The Frenchman has enjoyed a strong start to the year and bagged his seventh consecutive top-six finish last Sunday in Hungary.
His results are a stark contrast to several drivers who were in the seat before him, who were unable to consistently bring home point-scoring results.
“It is good news that we have a strong second driver for the first time in quite a long time,” Mekies told De Telegraaf.
“That was also one of our goals prior to this season. Isack is performing solidly and has learned a lot from the team and from Max.”
Hadjar is widely expected to be retained by Red Bull for next year given his performances, but question marks still remain over Verstappen’s future, despite the Dutchman having a contract in place.
While Mekies did not officially confirm Hadjar will return next year, the team boss implied that it will likely steer in that direction.
“It is good news, also for Max, that our two cars are a bit closer together,” he added.
“We haven’t discussed the future yet, but everyone can see that Isack is doing an excellent job. So we will make a logical decision.”