Who will be Max Verstappen‘s teammate in 2026? This question is increasingly being asked due to the ongoing disappointing results of current Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda. Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert knows who he would place next to the four-time world champion: ‘I give the benefit of the doubt to Gabriel Bortoleto’.
Gabriel Bortoleto has made an impression during his debut season in Formula 1. The Brazilian has secured valuable World Championship points in four of his last six races, with a sixth place in Hungary as his best result. Johnny Herbert is also impressed by the rookie, and would even place Bortoleto next to Max Verstappen in a Red Bull in 2026.”I give the benefit of the doubt to Bortoleto, rather than Hadjar,” the former F1 driver tells Racing Tipster. “He has become champion in consecutive years in Formula 3 and Formula 2.” Isack Hadjar has been seen as the favorite to replace the struggling Yuki Tsunoda next season since his podium finish in Zandvoort.
Fernando Alonso’s Influence
However, Herbert prefers Bortoleto over Hadjar due to one key advantage the Brazilian holds: the support of manager Fernando Alonso. “What Oscar Piastri has with Mark Webber, (Bortoleto) has with Alonso. He might be able to give him that little bit extra, allowing him to improve. Hadjar doesn’t have someone like that behind him, he has to figure it all out on his own. That gives Bortoleto that little bit extra, but he is also impressive in his own right. He can perform in a car that is not as good as the (Racing Bulls).”
