Hadjar moving to Red Bull with ‘no expectations’ amid 2026 reset

Red Bull Racing’s newest recruit, Isack Hadjar, is stepping into Formula 1’s hottest seat with refreshing bluntness: he’s thrilled, he’s proud, but he’s also keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

The French-Algerian rising star will join Max Verstappen at the energy drink senior’s squad in 2026, replacing Yuki Tsunoda – yet he insists he’s treating the opportunity as a total reset.

Hadjar’s promotion marks the latest shuffle in Red Bull’s turbulent search for Verstappen’s long-term partner, a position that has chewed through drivers across recent seasons.

But the 20-year-old isn't flinching. Instead, he’s embracing the unknown with the swagger of someone who knows exactly how hard he’s worked to reach this point.

A Very Good Moment – But Only the Start

Speaking to media in Abu Dhabi on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s season finale, Hadjar didn’t downplay what the call-up means for him.

“It's a very good moment in my career, that's for sure,” he said. “For all the hard work through the years being rewarded now, obviously it's just the beginning of a new journey.

“But I'm very excited and stepping into a new era of Formula 1 as well. I think it's very good timing.”

Hadjar’s debut with Red Bull will coincide with F1’s 2026 regulation overhaul – all-new cars, fresh rules, and, as he sees it, a fresh opportunity to level the field.

“I have no expectations at all, because starting from scratch – everyone. The work is going to be done.

“I'm just really looking forward to January, February, working with the team, getting to know the people. It's going to be crucial to try and be ahead a bit.”

It’s a pragmatic approach, one that contrasts sharply with the narrative swirling around the Red Bull second seat.

Ready to Fight the Verstappen Mythology

Red Bull has struggled for years to find a partner who can consistently extract performance anywhere close to Verstappen’s level. Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda – none managed to fully lock down the role.

But Hadjar rejects the idea that he’s walking into an impossible scenario. Asked what mindset he’s taking into one of the most scrutinized seats in racing, he pushed back strongly.

“Well, it's not true,” he quipped. “It's not the same car at all next year. As I said, we're going to get the car we have. The team is going to build this car. I have to adapt to that car, and Max will have to do the same job. If the car goes in one direction, at least I'll be there to feel the change.

“And ideally, I contribute to that change. That would be the ideal scenario. I've never repeated, every year. I've always competed in different cars, so I don't know what it's like doing the same thing, the same job. I think I'm pretty decent at adapting, so I'm actually confident.”

• Read also: Tsunoda vows to work ‘harder than ever’ to return to F1 grid

Hadjar’s reputation for adaptability – and his consistency through the junior categories – was a major factor in Red Bull’s decision to promote him.

And with regulation resets potentially shaking up established hierarchies, the 2026 season may offer him the perfect springboard.

By his own admission, Hadjar is stepping into one of the toughest jobs in Formula 1: partnering its most dominant driver of the era. But he’s approaching it with calm realism, confidence in his adaptability, and a clear focus on integrating himself early with the team.

If he really is “starting from scratch,” he’s doing it with fire in his eyes – and with all the momentum that comes from seizing “a very good moment” at exactly the right time.

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