Red Bull to Hadjar in 2026: Keep Developing, Don't Stop Surprising Us
Red Bull is promoting Isack Hadjar to partner Max Verstappen in 2026, but the team's expectation isn't instant success. They demand continuous development and proof his steep learning curve hasn't flattened.
Isack Hadjar is set to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026 after an impressive rookie season, but the team's expectations are clear. Team principal Laurent Mekies has framed the promotion not as a final destination, but as a new starting point where the primary demand is continuous development. The young Frenchman is being tasked not with instant race wins, but with proving his steep learning curve has not flattened as he steps into one of the most high-pressure seats in motorsport.
Why it matters:
This move underscores Red Bull's core driver development philosophy, which values adaptability and growth as much as raw speed. For Hadjar, joining a team built on relentless internal competition and alongside a four-time world champion presents an immense challenge. Red Bull's public stance sets a clear tone: his promotion is both a reward for his proven potential and a test to see if he can maintain his upward trajectory under the brightest spotlight in Formula 1.
The Details:
- A Season of Growth: Hadjar's 2025 campaign was a story of resilience. It began with a costly spin on the formation lap in Australia but transformed into a breakthrough year, culminating in a maiden podium at Zandvoort that solidified Red Bull's faith in him.
- Praise for Development: Mekies was unequivocal in his praise, highlighting Hadjar's "unbelievable" rate of improvement. The team principal noted they saw him "making stuff in the car that he was not doing three races before," a trait highly valued by the championship-winning team.
- Not a Landing Point: Mekies was explicit that the move to the senior team is "not a landing point." Instead, he views it as "another start for him to continue to develop, to continue to impress us, to continue to surprise us" for years to come.
What's next:
The pressure is on for Hadjar to deliver momentum, not immediate miracles. Red Bull isn't looking for a driver who can instantly match Verstappen's pace, but one who can consistently learn and evolve within their system. As he prepares for his debut season with the top team, the real test will be whether he can translate his promising potential into consistent, forward-progressing performances at the front of the grid. For Red Bull, the journey with their latest young star has only just begun.