The Japanese GP weekend that sealed Hadjar's Red Bull promotion

While his podium in Zandvoort grabbed headlines, it was Isack Hadjar's drive at the Japanese Grand Prix that truly convinced Red Bull bosses he was ready for the top team. His ability to adapt his driving style mid-race to manage tire degradation showcased a maturity well beyond his rookie season experience.

Why it matters:

Red Bull has notoriously struggled to retain young drivers who fail to meet the immense pressure of a top-tier seat. Hadjar's promotion comes with high expectations, but his unique ability to self-critique and adapt suggests he possesses the mental toolkit required to survive where others have faltered.

The details:

• Suzuka Standout: Finishing eighth at Suzuka flew under the radar amidst the Lawson/Tsunoda drama, but it was a masterclass in race management. Hadjar pushed flat out for half the race and instantly adapted his style when instructed to save rear tires.
• Mental Approach: Team boss Alan Permane highlighted Hadjar's refreshing self-criticism. Unlike drivers who immediately blame the car, Hadjar asks what he can do better—a trait Permane compares to champions like Charles Leclerc.
• User-Friendly Machinery: Hadjar benefited from a "benign-handling" Racing Bulls car that was easier to drive than previous iterations. This stability allowed him to focus on learning rather than fighting a tricky rear end.
• Clean Slate: Moving to Red Bull in 2026 offers a unique advantage. With new regulations, the RB22 is a clean slate design not molded around Max Verstappen, allowing Hadjar to influence the car's development direction from the start.

What's next:

As Hadjar steps into the senior team for 2026, he enters a fresh environment where the car's character is yet to be defined. If he can translate his rookie learnings into consistent performance alongside Verstappen, he has a genuine opportunity to establish himself as a long-term leader for the team.