Isack Hadjar believes it would be “way easier” to step up to Red Bull’s senior team for the start of F1’s rules revolution in 2026 than has been the case, as speculation intensifies that he is in line for promotion next season.
The 20-year-old Frenchman’s already-impressive rookie F1 season at Racing Bulls took a further high-profile step forward at last week’s Dutch Grand Prix when he claimed a maiden podium finish in third, becoming just the fourth driver in the junior team’s 19-year history to finish a race in the top three.
With Yuki Tsunoda, who finished ninth at Zandvoort, continuing to face an uncertain future as Max Verstappen’s team-mate, Hadjar is clearly the alternative candidate were Red Bull to make a change ahead of a 2026 season when F1’s chassis and engine regulations are being completely overhauled.
And while Tsunoda has followed Liam Lawson, Sergio Perez, Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly over the past six years in struggling in world champion Verstappen’s shadow, Hadjar has explained why he believes joining next year would be different.
“At the start of the year, you were asking me if I was feeling ready to jump in the Red Bull this year, and the answer is still ‘no’. I don’t see the point of doing that right now,” Hadjar told reporters at Monza ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
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Speaking on the F1 Show Podcast, Jacques Villeneuve believes Isack Hadjar would be a good fit if Red Bull were to promote him as second driver.
“But ’26 is a different question because it’s a brand-new start for the team, there won’t be this talk of a ‘second car thing’. This won’t be a thing because it’s a brand-new car for everyone.
“You actually will be in a phase where you need to direct the car into the right direction, so I think this is actually interesting.”
Hadjar added that a promotion for 2026 would be “way easier” to manage than now.
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Relive Racing Bulls’ and Isack Hadjar’s incredible celebrations after he achieved his maiden Formula 1 podium at the Dutch Grand Prix.
And although he says he has had no discussions as yet with Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, about any step up, he made clear he would have no reservations about it were he to eventually receive a call-up.
“It’s obviously something I have in mind, there’s nine races left to prove I can do a very good job,” he said.
“I want to drive for the best team. That that’s all I want, really.”
Sky Sports F1’s Italian GP Schedule
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Italian Grand Prix
Friday September 5
8.30am: F3 Practice
9.55am: F2 Practice
12pm: Italian Grand Prix Practice One (session starts at 12:30pm)*
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3.35pm: Italian Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday September 6
8.10am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Italian Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 11:30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Italian Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
3pm: ITALIAN GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday September 7
7.10am: F3 Feature Race
8.40am: F2 Feature Race
10.40am: Porsche Supercup Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Italian GP build-up
2pm: THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered Flag: Italian GP reaction
5pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1’s European season concludes with the Italian Grand Prix – watch the whole Monza weekend live on Sky Sports F1 from Friday. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
