Isack Hadjar Eyes 2026 Red Bull Seat Amid Strong Debut Season

Max Verstappen's 2026 Red Bull extension has not quieted transfer talks, with Isack Hadjar now making his ambitions clear for a Red Bull Racing seat in Monza.

Why it matters:

Hadjar's impressive performance, notably a surprising third place in Zandvoort, has rapidly elevated his stock. His potential move to Red Bull Racing after just one F1 season signals a major shake-up in the driver market and highlights the team's ongoing search for talent.

The big picture:

The Frenchman, currently excelling for Racing Bulls, openly admitted to GPblog his desire to join Red Bull and partner with Max Verstappen. This development puts pressure on current Racing Bulls drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, whose chances of promotion to the senior team could diminish.

The details:

• Hadjar's rapid development has made him a hot commodity.
• Liam Lawson, despite being a competitor, praised Hadjar's readiness for the step up, stating, "He's doing all the right things right now... if you're ready to be in Formula 1 in the first place, I think you'd be ready for that kind of position."
• Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has reportedly expressed satisfaction with Hadjar's Zandvoort performance, with the Mexican Grand Prix hinted as a crucial decision point.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Hadjar's continued performance and Red Bull's decision-making process, particularly around the Mexican Grand Prix. A move could reshape Red Bull's driver lineup for 2026, impacting several young talents in the Red Bull driver academy.