Isack Hadjar Eyes 'Awesome' Max Verstappen Mentorship After Red Bull Promotion

Isack Hadjar is brimming with excitement to work alongside Max Verstappen following his promotion to the Red Bull senior team for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The official announcement on Tuesday, ahead of the Abu Dhabi season finale, confirmed Hadjar's pairing with Verstappen, with Yuki Tsunoda transitioning to a test and reserve driver role.

Why it matters:

This promotion marks a significant acceleration for Hadjar's career, placing him directly into one of F1's top teams alongside a three-time world champion. It signifies Red Bull's continued commitment to nurturing talent within its junior program and provides Hadjar with an unparalleled opportunity to learn and develop at the highest level.

The details:

• Promotion Confirmed: Isack Hadjar will join Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing from the 2026 season, marking a swift rise for the young French driver.
• Team Shake-up: Yuki Tsunoda will move into a test and reserve driver role, making way for Hadjar in the main squad.
• Racing Bulls Lineup: Arvid Lindblad will take Hadjar's place at Racing Bulls, partnering Liam Lawson, bringing another Red Bull junior into F1.
• Hadjar's Second Season: 2026 will be only Hadjar's second season in Formula 1, making his direct promotion to the senior team a bold move by Red Bull.
• Excitement for Mentorship: Despite the daunting prospect of being Verstappen's teammate, Hadjar expressed immense eagerness to learn from the reigning world champion, calling it an 'awesome move to work with the best'.
• Career Trajectory: Hadjar's 2024 season with Racing Bulls saw a mix of highs and lows, including a heartbreaking DNS in Australia and a podium finish at the Dutch GP, demonstrating his resilience and potential.

Between the lines:

Red Bull's decision to promote Hadjar so early in his F1 career highlights their belief in his raw talent and potential. While pairing a relatively inexperienced driver with a dominant champion like Verstappen is a high-pressure situation, it also offers a unique chance for Hadjar to rapidly accelerate his development. This move also signals a clear direction for Red Bull's driver hierarchy, prioritizing emerging talent from their extensive junior program.

What's next:

Hadjar will undoubtedly face intense scrutiny and expectations as he prepares to join Red Bull Racing. His focus will now shift towards maximizing his remaining time with Racing Bulls and rigorously preparing for the technical and competitive demands of partnering Max Verstappen. The F1 paddock will be watching closely to see how quickly he adapts and if he can live up to the faith Red Bull has placed in him.