Isack Hadjar: The Rising Star Set to Shake Up Formula 1 in 2026!
In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, Isack Hadjar's early commitment to Red Bull Racing has left team principal Laurent Mekies utterly impressed. The 2026 season is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the talented French driver, who is ready to take the racing world by storm alongside the legendary Max Verstappen.
Hadjar's meteoric rise comes after a standout rookie season in 2025, where he secured his place as Verstappen's new teammate by outshining both Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda. With a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix under his belt and a reputation as a regular point scorer, Hadjar's selection was no accident. Helmut Marko, the astute Red Bull advisor, recognized his potential and swiftly confirmed the decision to elevate him to the senior team, even if it took until the season finale to make it official.
However, the transition to the Red Bull RB22 hasn't been a walk in the park. Hadjar faced significant challenges during the Bahrain tests, suffering reliability issues that hampered his performance. A crash in Barcelona added to his woes, but the young driver has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. “Out of six sessions, we missed two, so it’s quite a bit, but we always made sure to compact and make the most of the other running we got,” Hadjar stated confidently, revealing his determination to maximize every opportunity.
What has truly set Hadjar apart is not just his on-track performance but his unwavering commitment off the track. Mekies praised Hadjar's dedication, noting, “He moved to the UK in the very early days of January… It shows you the commitment.” Hadjar has fully immersed himself in the Red Bull culture, spending countless hours in the simulator and working closely with engineers to ensure he is as prepared as possible for the upcoming season.
As the countdown to the Melbourne season opener begins, Hadjar is focused on honing his skills. “The work with Max has been very good. He’s very open so far,” he said, emphasizing the importance of learning from his four-time World Champion teammate. But despite the excitement, Hadjar is realistic about the challenge ahead. “The goal is to accept that I’m going to be slower the first month,” he confessed, aware of the immense pressure that comes with racing alongside an established star like Verstappen.
Hadjar's mental fortitude was evident from day one in F1, as he swiftly recovered from a devastating crash during his debut weekend. This resilience, coupled with a self-critical mindset, has won him admirers within the paddock, including Alan Permane, the newly appointed team boss at Racing Bulls. “Isack has everything he needs to be successful,” Permane remarked. “His first reaction is, ‘What can I do better?’ With that attitude, he’s got a very, very bright future.”
Isack Hadjar is not just another driver; he is a force to be reckoned with. As he gears up for the 2026 season, fans and experts alike are eager to see how this promising talent will perform under the intense spotlight of Formula 1. With his combination of speed, dedication, and a willingness to learn, Hadjar is poised to make waves—and perhaps even challenge for victories—this coming season. Buckle up, because Isack Hadjar is ready to unleash his potential on the world stage!
