Isack Hadjar on Red Bull Future: 'That's How It Works'

Isack Hadjar remains unfazed by the uncertainty surrounding his Formula 1 future, attributing it to the typical Red Bull operational style. The 21-year-old French driver, who has had a largely positive season, is a strong candidate for a Red Bull or Racing Bulls seat in 2026, though no official decisions have been announced.

Why it matters:

Hadjar's potential promotion highlights Red Bull's long-standing strategy of cultivating young talent through its driver academy. With the F1 driver market in flux for 2026, his situation is a key piece of the puzzle, influencing not only Red Bull's main team but also its sister squad, Racing Bulls. A successful transition for Hadjar would validate Red Bull's development program and potentially bring fresh blood to the grid at a critical juncture for the sport with new regulations approaching.

The Details:

• Season Performance: Hadjar has enjoyed a solid season, placing him in contention for an F1 seat. This performance has fueled speculation about his potential move to Red Bull, possibly alongside Max Verstappen, or to Racing Bulls.
• Red Bull Culture: Hadjar emphasized that the lack of early contract announcements is standard procedure within the Red Bull system. He stated, "I never signed a contract or had something announced before the end of the season in my whole career... For me, it’s nothing new, and that’s how it works with Red Bull."
• Resilience after Setback: Despite a strong year, Hadjar acknowledged a "horrific" moment: crashing out on the formation lap of the season's opening race in Melbourne. He lost control in damp conditions, hitting the barrier before the race even began.
  • "It was good to show myself – to get back up from a quite horrific Sunday to a good run of points and competitiveness after that," he remarked, highlighting his ability to bounce back from adversity.

What's next:

As the season progresses, Hadjar will continue to focus on his performance, knowing that Red Bull is closely watching. The team's decisions regarding its 2026 lineup for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls are expected later in the year. Hadjar's calm approach to the waiting game suggests a maturity that could serve him well as he vies for a coveted spot in Formula 1.