Abu Dhabi GP 2025: Isack Hadjar explains the low-key moment he learned he’s a Red Bull driver. Isack Hadjar reveals how he discovered he would become a Red Bull Racing driver.

F1 | Hadjar reveals the behind-the-scenes story: here’s how he discovered he was becoming a Red Bull driver

During the Abu Dhabi press conference, Isack Hadjar explained the exact moment and the unexpected way he found out he would be racing alongside Max Verstappen starting in 2026. The French driver surprised everyone with his comments: he shared a rather unusual and candid behind-the-scenes detail about his arrival at Red Bull. There was no special phone call, no dramatic movie-style announcement. Hadjar described everything with complete honesty. “There wasn’t a big call. That’s not how it happened,” he said. He then added that Helmut Marko spoke to him very directly. “He made sure I understood that I would be driving for Red Bull. And that I had to please him.”

Isack Hadjar discovered he would drive for Red Bull in Qatar

Isack Hadjar also explained exactly when he learned the news. “I found out very late. Let’s say during Qatar week.” The Frenchman discovered everything just a few days before the official announcement. Despite the late notice, Isack Hadjar said he feels calm and confident. He acknowledged that 2026 represents the perfect moment to step up, as the new regulations could reset the competitive order. For him, this creates a huge opportunity—one he intends to seize fully.

Isack Hadjar compared to Max Verstappen

Many asked Isack Hadjar whether his driving style would resemble Max Verstappen’s. Racing Bulls engineers have compared certain aspects of his approach to that of the four-time world champion. Isack Hadjar responded with clarity. “Max is unique. I’m not trying to copy him. In terms of mentality, we have a few things in common. After four titles he’s still hungry. In that, he is similar to me.”

Isack Hadjar knows that 2026 will be a monumental year. “We all start from zero. I have no expectations,” he explained. He said he wants to begin working with the team immediately, learn every name, and understand every detail of how Red Bull operates. He is aware that the level within the team is extremely high and that every mistake carries weight. Isack Hadjar is eager to compete and grow with a four-time world champion as his teammate.

Above all, Hadjar cannot wait to measure himself against one of the greatest drivers in history, week in, week out. For a young driver who has rocketed through the Red Bull programme, the understated way he received the biggest news of his career somehow feels perfectly on-brand.