Meet Isack Hadjar: The Rising Star Set to Challenge Max Verstappen in 2026!
In a stunning twist for Formula 1 fans, the 2026 season is set to ignite with the arrival of Isack Hadjar as Max Verstappen’s new teammate at Red Bull Racing! The young Frenchman has been officially promoted from his current seat with Racing Bulls, stepping into the shoes of Yuki Tsunoda, who has surprisingly vanished from the grid after holding a full-time seat since 2021. This shift marks a monumental leap for Hadjar, who is making waves in the high-octane world of F1 racing!
Hadjar’s ascent to the pinnacle of motorsport has been nothing short of meteoric. The 21-year-old driver has already secured a podium finish in his rookie season with Racing Bulls, propelling his team to an impressive sixth place in the drivers’ championship standings. Astonishingly, Hadjar has outperformed both Tsunoda and Liam Lawson in the championship, despite being the only one among the trio who has yet to race a single event in the illustrious Red Bull car. What fuels this extraordinary talent?
A Glimpse into Hadjar’s Early Life and Career
Born in Paris on September 28, 2004, Hadjar’s passion for motorsport ignited at a tender age of seven, inspired by the beloved Pixar film “Cars.” By the time he turned eight, he was already racing competitively in karting, making his mark in France’s premier karting championships by 2016. His transition to single-seater racing began in 2018 with the Ginetta Junior Winter Championship, paving the way for a promising career.
Hadjar’s journey through the ranks has been formidable. He claimed four victories and 13 podiums in the French F4 Championship, catching the eye of Red Bull, who welcomed him as a young driver in 2022. But here’s the kicker: despite his rapid rise, Hadjar has never clinched a single-seater championship in his junior career!
The Championship Battle and F1 Breakthrough
Hadjar shone brightly in the Formula Regional Asian Championship and F3 in 2022, earning his promotion to Formula 2 with Hitech Pulse-Eight for the 2023 season. It was here that his talents truly blossomed. In 2024, he dazzled with Campos Racing, engaging in a thrilling title fight against Gabriel Bortoleto, securing four race wins and narrowly missing out on the championship in a heart-stopping finale.
While serving as the reserve driver for Red Bull and Racing Bulls, Hadjar honed his skills during multiple practice sessions, which ultimately led to his confirmation as a full-time driver for Racing Bulls in 2025. His impressive tally of 51 points over 23 race weekends, topped with a sensational maiden podium at the Dutch Grand Prix, showcased that he is more than ready for the challenge ahead.
The Future is Bright for Hadjar and Red Bull
As Isack Hadjar gears up to join forces with four-time world champion Max Verstappen in 2026, F1 enthusiasts are left buzzing with anticipation. Will Hadjar’s rookie brilliance translate into championship contention? Can he stand toe-to-toe with the reigning champion? The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown that is sure to captivate fans and redefine the dynamics of the sport.
A new era is dawning for Red Bull Racing, and with Isack Hadjar in the mix, the excitement surrounding the upcoming season has never been more palpable! Buckle up, because the world of Formula 1 is about to witness an exhilarating ride!
