Isack Hadjar Dismisses 2026 Red Bull F1 Rumors Amid Driver Market Speculation

Isack Hadjar has strongly denied knowing his 2026 Formula 1 team, laughing off suggestions that he's already set to join Red Bull. Red Bull previously indicated that their 2026 driver lineup for both the main team and Racing Bulls would be announced around the Mexico Grand Prix weekend, fueling intense speculation.

Why it matters:

The F1 driver market for 2026 is heating up, with Red Bull at the center of attention. The team's decision will not only impact their two main seats but also cascade down to their sister team, Racing Bulls, significantly shaping the grid for the upcoming regulation changes. For young talents like Hadjar, securing a Red Bull seat is a career-defining opportunity, while established drivers like Yuki Tsunoda are fighting to retain their positions.

The details:

• Hadjar's Denial: When pressed about his future, Hadjar jokingly responded, "No, you're just too smart," while emphasizing his desire for media to wait until the end of the season for questions.
• Speculated Lineup: Reports suggest Hadjar, who has impressed in his rookie 2025 season with Racing Bulls, is expected to replace Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull, partnering Max Verstappen.
• Racing Bulls Shuffle: Arvid Lindblad from F2 is rumored to take Hadjar's spot at Racing Bulls, potentially alongside Liam Lawson, who is favored to keep his seat over Tsunoda.
• Focus on Constructors' Standings: Hadjar expressed his commitment to helping Racing Bulls secure sixth place in the constructors' championship, a position they currently hold, just three points ahead of Aston Martin.
• Early Red Bull Test Unlikely: Hadjar dismissed the possibility of an early Red Bull test for 2026 preparations as "so unlikely," stating his current satisfaction with Racing Bulls and his goal to finish the season strongly with them.

Between the lines:

Despite Hadjar's public amusement and denial, the persistent rumors highlight a common strategy in F1: teams often keep driver decisions under wraps until the last possible moment. This allows for maximum leverage in negotiations and can help maintain focus within current teams. Hadjar's performance, including a podium at Zandvoort and consistently strong free practice sessions, has clearly put him in a strong position for a future top-tier seat, regardless of his current claims.

What's next:

Red Bull is expected to make an official announcement regarding their 2026 driver lineups for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls soon, potentially around the Mexico Grand Prix. This announcement will clarify the future for Hadjar, Tsunoda, and Lawson, setting the stage for the next era of Formula 1 racing.