F1 | Isack Hadjar explains why he only wants a Red Bull seat from 2026
The rookie everyone is talking about has made his intentions clear: he wants to join Red Bull, but only in 2026. For Isack Hadjar, the ideal moment to make the step up is when Formula 1 introduces its new regulations and the team builds a completely fresh car. That way, he would not need to adapt to a project already defined, as is currently the case with Yuki Tsunoda driving the RB21 at Racing Bulls.
“After the race, Marko was satisfied. When he is satisfied, it means a lot.” With these words, Hadjar hinted that his brilliant podium finish last weekend at Zandvoort, home of the Dutch Grand Prix, may have strengthened his chances of a Red Bull promotion in 2026.
It is no secret that the Paris-born Racing Bulls driver is one of the brightest talents in the Red Bull Academy. He is widely considered among the top candidates to eventually take over the seat currently occupied by Yuki Tsunoda. Despite being a rookie in 2025, Hadjar has impressed with his composure, speed, and consistency. His podium result at Zandvoort was simply the icing on the cake of a promising debut season.
Since the very beginning of the year, Hadjar has repeatedly faced questions about a possible move to Red Bull as early as this season. The same question resurfaced this week at Monza during the Italian Grand Prix, and once again his answer was the same: no.
His reasoning is clear. Hadjar’s objective is indeed to join Red Bull, but starting in 2026. The arrival of the new regulations will mean that the car will be a clean-sheet design, offering him the chance to contribute to its development from day one. Entering the team now, in 2025, would mean adapting to a car that has already been designed and optimized without his input.
“At the beginning of the year I was asked if I felt ready to race for Red Bull in 2025. My answer is still no, because I don’t see any reason to do it right now. But in 2026, it’s a different story because it will be a completely new start for the team. There won’t be the issue of adapting to a second car like there is now. Everyone will be starting from zero. That’s why I don’t think the second Red Bull seat is something to consider today.”
Hadjar openly admits that the thought of being promoted is on his mind: “Of course the idea of being promoted to Red Bull exists. It’s something I think about. There are still nine races left in the season, and in those I can prove I’m capable of doing a great job. Obviously, if I start being beaten regularly from now until the end, that would not be good.”
On the subject of pressure, the Frenchman is confident: “I don’t have an issue with the idea of pressure, racing for a top team, or fighting at the front. I want to drive for the best team, that is all I truly want. At the moment though, I haven’t spoken with Helmut Marko or Laurent Mekies about 2026 yet. I believe those conversations will happen soon, but it’s not what I’m thinking about right now.”
Hadjar also addressed the prospect of becoming Max Verstappen’s teammate: “If it happens that I join Red Bull alongside Verstappen, it would still be with the 2026 car, which will be evolving and changing. At least in that case, I would be there from the beginning. I would not have to adapt to a car that is already set in stone.”
With a sensational podium already under his belt and a clear vision of his career path, Isack Hadjar has left no doubt: his target is Red Bull, but only when the timing allows him to play a decisive role in shaping the future of the team’s car.
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