Isack Hadjar 'Used To' Uncertainty Amid Red Bull F1 Promotion Rumors
Isack Hadjar remains unfazed by the wait for his F1 future, calling the uncertainty "nothing new" in his Red Bull career. Amid rumors of a potential promotion to Red Bull for 2026, he acknowledges the fierce competition within the program, including Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda. With significant regulation changes coming in 2026, Hadjar believes his familiarity with the F1 environment will ease the transition, despite the challenges new cars will present to all drivers.
Isack Hadjar, a rising talent in the Red Bull driver pool, says the prolonged wait for a decision on his Formula 1 future is “nothing new,” a familiar part of his career trajectory within the Red Bull family. Despite rumors linking him to a potential Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen for next season, team principal Laurent Mekies indicated that final decisions on both Red Bull and Racing Bulls lineups won't be made until later in the season.
Why it matters:
The Red Bull driver program is notoriously competitive, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Hadjar's future, alongside other talents like Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, highlights the high-stakes nature of F1 promotions. A potential breakthrough for Hadjar would not only signify a major career milestone but also demonstrate Red Bull's continued commitment to nurturing its young drivers and could influence the broader F1 driver market for 2026.
The Details:
- Hadjar has previously expressed confidence in being in Formula 1 next season, though the specific team remains unconfirmed.
- He, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda are not currently contracted for a race seat beyond the end of the year, creating a competitive internal battle for positions.
- Arvid Lindblad, another rising star, has also been linked with a potential move up the ranks.
- Hadjar's perspective on the uncertainty: "I never signed a contract or had something announced before the end of the season in my whole career, so I always had to keep my head down and keep pushing until the very final lap. For me, it's nothing new, and that's how it works with Red Bull."
- 2026 Regulations: Significant regulation changes are set for 2026, introducing completely new power units and chassis rules. Cars and tires will also be reduced in size.
- Hadjar acknowledged that a transition with current cars would be easier, but he feels well-accustomed to the F1 environment and working with large teams, lessening the learning curve compared to a true rookie season.
- He also stated that the 2026 changes will make it challenging for all drivers, including experienced ones, implying a reset of sorts across the grid.
What's next:
While Hadjar is widely expected to retain a seat within the Red Bull stable next year, the final decision on the 2026 lineups for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls will be closely watched. The looming 2026 regulation changes promise a fresh start for all teams and drivers, potentially opening new opportunities for emerging talents like Hadjar if he secures a coveted F1 seat. The intense competition within the Red Bull driver program means every performance counts in these crucial final laps of the season.