Hadjar: Red Bull Contract Isn't an Achievement, Performing Is

Isack Hadjar is downplaying his promotion to Red Bull for 2026, insisting that simply signing with the team is not an achievement. The Frenchman, who earned the seat after an impressive rookie season including a maiden podium, believes true success will only come from performing at the level expected by the six-time constructors' champions.

Why it matters:

Hadjar's mindset reveals a maturity beyond his 21 years, setting a tone of focused ambition rather than celebration. In the high-pressure environment of the Red Bull senior team, where many junior prospects have faltered, his performance-first approach could be the key to navigating the immense expectations and succeeding where others, like Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, have previously stumbled.

The details:

• The Promotion: Hadjar moves up from Racing Bulls after a strong 2025 debut campaign, highlighted by a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
• His Definition of Success: "Unfortunately, signing a contract is not what I consider an achievement," Hadjar stated. "An achievement would be living up to the expectations at Red Bull, doing the job."
• A Long Journey: Despite his pragmatic view, Hadjar acknowledged the "very long, very difficult" path to the "main team." He described the promotion as an "awesome moment" not just for himself, but also for his parents, who have been part of his journey through the junior program.

Looking Ahead:

With his focus squarely on 2026, Hadjar is set to join a team with championship aspirations and potentially become teammates with Max Verstappen, whom he referred to as "the best driver in the world." The real test for the young Frenchman now begins, as he aims to translate his potential into tangible results and prove that his promotion was just the first step toward a greater accomplishment.