“I already know I’ll be lining up on the F1 grid next year.” That’s the kind of bold confidence you rarely hear from a rookie — but Isack Hadjar isn’t just any rookie. The young French talent has made waves this season, and now he’s hinting that his Formula 1 future is already sealed. But here’s where things get interesting: he’s not saying which team he’ll be racing for.
Red Bull and their sister outfit, Racing Bulls, remain tight-lipped about their 2026 driver lineups — Max Verstappen is the only confirmed name so far. This uncertainty has fueled endless speculation about who will sit in the second Red Bull seat next year. Could it be Yuki Tsunoda holding on, or is Hadjar about to make the leap to the main team?
Hadjar’s confidence stems from a strong debut season with Racing Bulls. After a rocky start — including a crash on his very first formation lap in Melbourne — he bounced back impressively. With 51 points to his name and a podium in Zandvoort, he’s now the second-highest-scoring rookie and ranked inside the top 10 in the standings. That kind of performance doesn’t go unnoticed, especially when Red Bull is watching.
During an interview in Qatar, Hadjar projected calm assurance: “Last year, I didn’t even know if I’d make it to F1. Now I know I’ll be on the grid next year. That’s a huge step forward.” He added with a grin, “I’m happy, confident, and proud of my season. It’s nice to finally stop answering questions about my future!”
Still, the question that keeps fans guessing is whether he’ll stay at Racing Bulls or take Sergio Pérez’s spot at Red Bull Racing. With the official confirmation expected before the season finale in Abu Dhabi, the rumors only grow louder.
When asked about Red Bull’s upcoming power unit project — to be developed in-house with Ford starting in 2026 — Hadjar sounded optimistic but cautious. “I know the engine is coming along well,” he said. “No one knows exactly what Mercedes or Ferrari are building, so you’re in the dark. But there’s no reason it won’t be competitive. I’m choosing to believe it’ll be a strong package.”
As for the remainder of this season, the 20-year-old remains laser-focused on the present. He’s battling Nico Hülkenberg and Carlos Sainz for a top-10 finish in the championship, holding a slim two-point lead. His goal? End on a high note, maybe even grab one more podium before the season ends. “If I can get another podium and Albon doesn’t score, maybe eighth place is possible,” he jibed, then quickly laughed it off. “Okay, maybe that’s ambitious. But I’m confident going into this weekend. On paper, the car should be quick here — unless we’ve missed something. But I like to think we’ve nailed it.”
Hadjar’s confidence, combined with his steady growth and humility, has impressed fans and critics alike. But not everyone agrees he’s ready for the senior Red Bull seat just yet. Should Red Bull prioritize experience — or take another chance on young blood? That’s the debate heating up among F1 circles right now.
What do you think — has Isack Hadjar earned his shot at Red Bull, or should the team stick with proven experience for 2026? Let your thoughts fly in the comments below — because this discussion is far from over.