27 November 2025GP BlogAnalysisInterviewRumor
Isack Hadjar Reacts to Helmut Marko's Praise, Eyes Red Bull Future
F1 rookie Isack Hadjar has earned significant praise from Helmut Marko for his exceptional adaptability and strong performances this season, including a podium finish and consistent top-10 presence. Hadjar's rapid progress and Marko's endorsement are fueling rumors of a potential Red Bull Racing move for the 2026 season, where his ability to adapt could be crucial for the new technical regulations.
Isack Hadjar, a standout F1 rookie, has consistently impressed Helmut Marko throughout the 2025 season, notably with his sixth-place finish in Las Vegas. Marko's recent praise for Hadjar's adaptability and performance has fueled speculation about the young Frenchman's potential move to Red Bull Racing in 2026.
Why it matters:
- Hadjar's rapid rise and Marko's endorsement signal a potential shift in Red Bull's driver lineup strategy for 2026, a crucial year with new technical regulations.
- His ability to quickly adapt to new circuits is a highly valued trait, especially as F1 prepares for a significant rule overhaul.
- The strong performance of a rookie like Hadjar can shake up the F1 junior ladder and accelerate the careers of other promising talents.
The Details:
- Hadjar achieved a maiden podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix earlier this season.
- He has been consistently linked with a potential move to Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season.
- Despite a challenging start at the Australian Grand Prix where he crashed, Hadjar quickly recovered and delivered impressive results.
- At the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hadjar showed exceptional pace, placing within the Top 10 in every session.
- Helmut Marko specifically praised Hadjar's ability to quickly adapt to new circuits, a quality the young driver attributes to extensive hard work.
- Hadjar noted, "The fact he said it, means a lot, and I agree with it. I worked a lot on it. It's only the beginning now, I know most of the tracks, every track on the calendar."
What's next:
- Hadjar believes his adaptability will be a significant asset with the new technical regulations coming into effect in 2026.
- He highlighted his experience with car changes, stating he has never repeated a season with the same car, even through two years in F2 which saw regulation changes.
- His continued strong performance could solidify his position as a prime candidate for a Red Bull seat as the team considers its long-term driver strategy for the new era of F1.