Hadjar on joining Red Bull: 'What the hell am I doing here?'

Rising star Isack Hadjar is set to join four-time world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026, expressing a mix of shock and excitement in his first interview for the team. The 21-year-old French-Algerian driver, who will step into a seat that has seen multiple drivers in recent seasons, admitted to moments of disbelief, asking, 'What the hell am I doing here?' while also calling the opportunity a 'huge, huge privilege.'

Why it matters:

Red Bull's decision to promote Hadjar signals a major vote of confidence in the young talent as the team plans for a new era of F1 regulations in 2026. Securing and developing a driver to partner Verstappen is critical for the team's long-term dominance, and Hadjar's performance will be under intense scrutiny from the moment he steps into the car.

The details:

• A Moment of Disbelief: Hadjar revealed his immediate reaction was to call his mother, who, as his manager, already knew the news before he did. He described the surreal feeling, questioning, 'Why me? How did I get chosen?'
• Learning from the Best: He is eager to learn from Verstappen, specifically praising his teammate's relentless ability to 'find more lap time' and win races from the slimmest of opportunities.
• 'Le Petit Prost' Connection: The driver has earned the nickname 'Le Petit Prost' due to a shared habit of biting his nails. He had an 'unreal' moment meeting his idol, Alain Prost, in Abu Dhabi, an experience made even more special by sharing it with his physicist father.

Looking Ahead:

Hadjar's journey to the top of Red Bull will be one of the most compelling storylines heading into 2026. With the team's second seat notorious for its high turnover, the young driver faces immense pressure to perform and prove he deserves the long-term spot alongside Verstappen as the sport enters its next technical era.