Isack Hadjar has signaled caution regarding the possibility of joining Red Bull Racing’s main team for the 2026 Formula 1 season, expressing concern about potentially jeopardizing his career by taking on the challenge of racing alongside Max Verstappen. According to reports from Autosport, the young French driver, currently competing with the Red Bull satellite team Racing Bulls, has indicated that he does not wish to make this leap at this stage. Hadjar has opted for a prudent approach, fully aware that the final decision ultimately rests with the Anglo-Austrian team. Being Max Verstappen’s teammate is notoriously challenging, as history has shown that several drivers have struggled or even derailed their careers under these circumstances. Consequently, Hadjar seems determined to protect the progress he has made so far and believes that remaining with Racing Bulls is currently the wisest choice.
Proven Talent on Track
For the 2025 season, Isack Hadjar signed with Racing Bulls, partnering with Liam Lawson at the Red Bull satellite team, following an impressive campaign in Formula 2. Despite his current hesitations, he remains one of the leading candidates to replace Yuki Tsunoda in Red Bull Racing’s main F1 team in Milton Keynes. Hadjar has consistently demonstrated his raw speed and talent on track. Over the course of this season, he has gained substantial experience and shown significant growth, both on and off the circuit. His early misfortunes serve as an example: during his first-ever Formula 1 race earlier this year, he was forced to retire even before the race started due to an error on the formation lap. Fast forward to today, and he sits solidly in 13th place in the drivers’ championship standings, reflecting his steady development and growing consistency.
Even Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has publicly praised Hadjar’s abilities and pace in interviews with SpeedWeek:
“Isack was highly underrated in Formula 2 by the media, who focused only on Bortoleto. At the time, Isack won more races and lost 80 points due to technical issues. But for me, it was already clear that he was a very fast driver.”
The Final Decision Lies with Red Bull
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a crucial year in Formula 1, especially with the introduction of new technical regulations. Red Bull Racing has yet to finalize its F1 driver lineup. Max Verstappen remains the team’s undisputed cornerstone, but the second seat continues to be a topic of discussion. Yuki Tsunoda, the current teammate, does not yet have a confirmed contract, which opens the door for Isack Hadjar. Despite his cautious approach and preference to continue with Racing Bulls, Hadjar remains one of the main contenders for that coveted second seat.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Red Bull Racing, which retains the freedom to promote Hadjar to the main team alongside Max Verstappen if it deems him ready. While Hadjar’s prudence is understandable given the high-pressure environment and the potential risks associated with racing alongside one of Formula 1’s most dominant drivers, his talent, development, and consistency make him a strong candidate for the future.
As the 2026 season approaches, the F1 community will be watching closely to see whether Isack Hadjar takes the next step in his career or continues to hone his skills in the satellite team. Regardless of the choice, his trajectory remains one of the most closely monitored stories in the Red Bull driver development program.
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