Isack Hadjar reflects on Red Bull promotion: 'What the hell am I doing here?'

Isack Hadjar is set to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing in 2026, yet the French rookie admits he often grapples with disbelief over his rapid ascent to the pinnacle of Formula 1. After a standout debut season with Racing Bulls, Hadjar acknowledges that while talent is vital, timing and luck played the decisive roles in landing a seat on the grid's most competitive team.

Why it matters:

Securing a Red Bull seat is the ultimate prize for any junior driver, placing Hadjar in a position to fight for race wins and championships immediately. His promotion signals a massive shake-up in the Red Bull driver pipeline and highlights the team's willingness to bet on youth, but it also places immense pressure on the Frenchman to perform alongside a generational talent like Verstappen.

The details:

• Rapid Rise: Hadjar joined the grid last year with Racing Bulls and quickly proved his mettle. His campaign highlight came at the Dutch Grand Prix, where a late mechanical issue for Lando Norris gifted him a surprise third-place finish and his maiden podium.
• The Call: Upon learning of his promotion ahead of the Abu Dhabi finale, Hadjar’s first instinct was to call his mother—who also happens to be his manager. Interestingly, she was already aware of the news before he was.
• Imposter Syndrome: Despite his on-track prowess, Hadjar remains grounded about the nature of motorsport success. He candidly admitted to moments of doubt, asking himself, "What the hell am I doing here?" and questioning why he was chosen over others.
• The Reality Check: The driver emphasized that "doing good is not enough," noting that for everything to align perfectly for a career-defining opportunity, factors beyond pure speed must fall into place.

Looking Ahead:

As Hadjar prepares to step into the senior team, the focus shifts from proving his worth in a midfield car to handling the spotlight of a front-runner. While he feels lucky to be there, the challenge now is converting that opportunity into results that justify Red Bull's faith.