The unexpected frontrunner for Red Bull’s 2026 Formula 1 seat. Isack Hadjar emerges as a surprise frontrunner for the 2026 Red Bull seat.

A surprise name threatens the 2026 Red Bull seat, with the futures of Yuki Tsunoda and Max Verstappen still uncertain.

The Red Bull seat for 2026 has already become one of the hottest topics in the paddock, and the name now circulating most insistently is that of Isack Hadjar.

Having entered Formula 1 almost on tiptoe, the young Frenchman has quickly overturned all skepticism, to the point where he is now considered the most credible candidate for a future alongside Max Verstappen.

Despite initial doubts about his approach and emotional control on track, Isack Hadjar has shown extraordinary growth that is making the Red Bull management seriously reflect.

Isack Hadjar, from outsider to favourite: why everyone is now watching him
When Isack Hadjar made his F1 debut with the Racing Bulls, he seemed like the classic “stopgap”: no impressive testing behind him, three underwhelming FP1 sessions, and a promotion more due to lack of alternatives than genuine belief. But it took little to change everything.

In just nine races, the twenty-year-old Frenchman has collected five points finishes and solid performances both in qualifying and in the race, impressing engineers, media, and even Christian Horner himself.

Suzuka was the first standout moment, with a well-earned eighth place built over every phase of the weekend. But it was the following trio of races that marked the definitive turning point: while other rookies struggled, Hadjar showed consistency and competitiveness. His ability to stay focused even after mistakes or tough moments – such as in Imola or Monaco – convinced Red Bull that concerns over his emotional control were unfounded.

In the 2024 post-season test in Abu Dhabi, Hadjar even beat Tsunoda, impressing with his demonstrated speed. He continues to outperform in internal qualifying comparisons, with an average that places him ahead of teammate Liam Lawson.

Of course, the step up to the main team is a risk – especially with Max Verstappen as a benchmark. But if Tsunoda fails to find consistency and results, Hadjar has proven he is ready to step in.