Breaking: Isack Hadjar to Race for Red Bull Alongside Verstappen in 2026

The French 21-year-old, who races in Red Bull's sister team, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, is set to race alongside 4-time World Champion, Max Verstappen, for Formula 1's 2026 season.

(Image credits to Kym Illman) 

The news comes after a long period of speculation from fans regarding which driver will fill the second Red Bull seat. At the beginning of this season, Liam Lawson was the second driver for Red Bull but was dropped after only three races, with Red Bull claiming he did not meet expectations and showed no signs of improvement in the near future.

They replaced him with Japanese driver Yuki Tsundoda who had been showing promising pace in the junior team. Despite Yuki's devotion to the Red Bull driver program over the last few years and the progress he has made in the recent seasons, the decision has been made to no offer him a 2026 F1 seat in a Red Bull-owned team. Some fans believe that this is not only because of his driving ability, but also because Red Bull's collaboration and sponsorship with Japanese car producers, Honda, is ending this year. 

Yesterday, Red Bull announced that Hadjar would complete their driver lineup for next year after an impressive rookie season. After losing out on the F2 drivers' championship to Bortoleto last year and being involved in an incident before his first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix, there were questions regarding his ability and future within the sport. But overcoming that, putting in consistent effort, and even achieving a podium for VCARB at the Dutch Grand Prix this year, it became clear that he has a high level of skill when it comes to driving. 

Regarding his new signing, Isaac Hadjar stated “"I am very grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving me the opportunity and the confidence to race at the highest level of Formula 1.

After all the hard work I’ve put in since joining the junior team, this is a fantastic reward. I’ve had many ups and downs throughout my career, but they’ve continued to believe in me and push me. ……I feel ready to join Red Bull and I’m happy and proud that they share my feeling. It’s an amazing opportunity, and I can’t wait to work with the best and learn alongside Max.” 

Everyone at The Rookie Reporters wishes Isack the best of luck for next season 

Article written by Isa Charlton © Isa Charlton 2025