Isack Hadjar remains realistic about his chances of securing a seat with Red Bull in the 2026 Formula 1 season, recognizing that eliminating mistakes is essential to convince the team of his readiness. The French driver, who entered F1 this season after finishing runner-up in the 2024 Formula 2 championship, has experienced a challenging start to his rookie year while still showing promise.
Hadjar’s debut was marked by disappointments, including a costly stall on the starting grid during the F2 title race at the Yas Marina circuit and a crash on the formation lap of the Australian Grand Prix, which prevented him from starting the race. Despite these setbacks, he has managed to secure five top ten finishes in his next eight outings, demonstrating resilience and skill under pressure.
Early season challenges and rebuilding momentum in Formula 1
The 20-year-old’s initial struggles saw him crash his Racing Bulls car during qualifying in Australia, a moment that visibly affected him. However, Hadjar quickly bounced back, showing improvement and consistency in mid-season races. His performances sparked speculation about a potential mid-season move to Red Bull’s main team, with reports suggesting he could replace Yuki Tsunoda.
Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has since quashed those rumors, affirming that Tsunoda will retain his seat for the rest of the year. Meanwhile, Hadjar has continued to develop his skills with Racing Bulls, accumulating 22 points so far but scoring only one point over his last five races, indicating an ongoing learning curve.
Current status and future prospects within the Red Bull program
Hadjar openly admits that there is progress to be made before he can seriously contend for a Red Bull race seat. When asked about his ambitions in a media session at the Hungarian Grand Prix, he emphasized the importance of consistency:
“When I can be on top of it and not making any mistakes then yeah I can think,”
—Isack Hadjar
Pressed further on whether he envisions a future at Red Bull, he responded simply:
“I’m dreaming of scoring in the points.”
—Isack Hadjar
Although Hadjar currently trails Mercedes’ rookie Kimi Antonelli in the rookie standings, his performances have still made him a standout competitor. Racing Bulls’ CEO has issued a warning to Red Bull not to pursue Hadjar prematurely amid swirling rumors of a driver change.
Still, the CEO acknowledged Hadjar’s significant potential and confirmed that internal discussions about the 2026 Red Bull lineup are anticipated after the summer break. He stressed the importance of a patient and strategic approach this season to allow Hadjar to gain experience and develop further:
“I was joking, honestly! We have strong alignment internally that we need to go through this year calmly, with everyone focusing on their jobs. I’m sure that, post-summer break, discussions will start about 2026, but honestly, I dare to say that in ’25, we all want to keep it calm and, talking about Isack, give him the chance to grow, to learn. Honestly, he is incredible.”
What lies ahead for Hadjar and Red Bull’s 2026 driver lineup
Hadjar’s journey reflects the challenges rookie drivers face transitioning to Formula 1 competitiveness, particularly within the highly demanding Red Bull program. His focus on reducing errors and steadily accumulating points aligns with the team’s cautious approach to promoting young talent. With Max Verstappen confirmed as Red Bull’s lead driver, the search for his 2026 teammate remains open, but Hadjar’s name remains in strong consideration.
The 2025 season will likely serve as a critical development period for Hadjar, with Red Bull prioritizing stability and driver growth. If he can maintain progress and minimize mistakes, Hadjar’s aspirations to join Red Bull’s F1 roster in 2026 stand a credible chance of becoming reality.