Hadjar Reveals Red Bull's 2026 Driver Line-up Decisions Are Finalized

Isack Hadjar has revealed that Red Bull's 2026 driver line-up decisions are already made, stating his performance in the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix will not influence the outcome. This indicates that the team's plans for the future are locked in, with an announcement expected soon, and Hadjar widely tipped for a promotion within the Red Bull family.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's driver line-up for 2026 is a critical piece of the Formula 1 puzzle, especially with new regulations on the horizon. Finalized decisions this early suggest a clear strategic direction, potentially confirming key movements within their driver pool. For Hadjar, a promotion would mark a significant step in his career, cementing Red Bull's long-term investment in him as a future talent.

The Details:

• Decision Made: Hadjar explicitly stated, "I can have the worst weekend in history, now it's not going to change anything," confirming that Red Bull's 2026 driver selections are already set.
• Imminent Announcement: The public is expected to hear Red Bull's official decision within "a couple of days."
• Secure Future: Hadjar had previously indicated seat security for next year, and all signs point to him receiving a promotion to Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season.
• Evaluation Process: Hadjar explained that driver decisions are based on an "average" of performance over the season, not just individual race weekends. This highlights Red Bull's comprehensive approach to driver assessment.
• Driver Development: Hadjar believes he has significantly improved across various aspects this season, particularly in his technical understanding of F1.
• Strong Rookie Campaign: He currently holds the second-highest points tally among Red Bull family drivers, sitting ninth in the standings with 51 points after securing his first F1 podium at the Dutch Grand Prix.

What's next:

The upcoming announcement will clarify Red Bull's 2026 driver pairings, officially confirming who will join Max Verstappen, who has already committed to the team through 2026. This decision will offer a glimpse into Red Bull's long-term strategy and their confidence in rising talents like Hadjar as they prepare for the next era of Formula 1.