Hadjar: Red Bull move off the table for 2025, but 2026 ‘interesting’

Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar has admitted that that a promotion to Red Bull Racing, while of no interest to him this season, is an enticing prospect for 2026, given Formula 1’s regulation overhaul where all teams will field next-generation cars.

Fresh from his first F1 podium last weekend at Zandvoort, Hadjar has been touted as a leading contender for a seat alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen in the near future.

But for now, the Frenchman is focused on consolidating his impressive rookie campaign as he told reporters on Thursday at Monza.

"To be honest, at the start of the year, they [the media] were asking me if I was feeling ready to jump in the Red Bull this year. And the answer is still no, because I don't see the point of doing that right now," Hadjar explained.

2026 Offers a Fresh Start

While Hadjar is not entertaining the idea of a switch mid-season, he views the sweeping technical reset in 2026 as a natural window for change.

"But '26 is a different question because it's a brand new start for the team,” he continued.

“There won't be this talk of the second car thing. This wouldn't be a thing because it's a brand new car for everyone. You will be in a phase where you need to direct the car into the right direction. So no, I think this is actually interesting."

The 20-year-old added that the prospect of a Red Bull seat is never far from his thoughts, even if his focus remains squarely on the remaining rounds of 2025.

"It's obviously something I have in mind. There's nine races left to prove I can keep doing a very good job," he said.

No Conversations Yet with Red Bull Chiefs

Red Bull has undergone significant driver reshuffling, parting ways with Sergio Perez at the end of 2024, signing Liam Lawson for 2025, and then moving Yuki Tsunoda into the senior team after Lawson’s brief stint.

Despite his strong performances, Hadjar confirmed that he has not yet held discussions with Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko or Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies regarding a future promotion.

"Me, personally, I haven't [had any conversations]," he confirmed. "Yeah [I do expect them to start soon], but to be honest, I'm not in a rush."

The Frenchman’s rookie season has seen him climb to 10th in the standings with 37 points, marking him out as one of the standout newcomers of 2025.

His podium in the Netherlands underscored his potential, while his measured approach suggests he is intent on timing his career moves carefully.

With Formula 1’s next-generation cars arriving in 2026, Hadjar’s patience may yet pay off – and his performances could make him one of the central figures in Red Bull’s long-term future.

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