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Red Bull’s Shocking Driver Dilemma: Will Isack Hadjar Claim the F1 2026 Seat?

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
September 3, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Red Bull’s Shocking Driver Dilemma: Will Isack Hadjar Claim the F1 2026 Seat?

ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS - AUGUST 31: Third placed Isack Hadjar of France and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on August 31, 2025 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202508310508 // Usage for editorial use only //

Red Bull Racing’s Power Play: Is Isack Hadjar the Future Star?

In a stunning turn of events during the Dutch Grand Prix, Isack Hadjar has thrust himself into the spotlight, claiming his first Formula 1 podium and igniting a fiery debate about the future of Red Bull Racing’s driver lineup. Team principal Laurent Mekies has found himself at the center of this whirlwind, asserting that while the pressure is mounting, he remains unfazed in making decisions about who will partner Max Verstappen in 2026.

Hadjar, who has been a name to watch since his impressive rookie season, finally broke through at Zandvoort, marking the first podium for Red Bull since 2021. Though some critics may downplay his achievement due to Lando Norris’s retirement, Hadjar’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Starting from a career-best fourth, he showcased his skill by holding off formidable competitors from Ferrari and Mercedes, ultimately seizing the opportunity when Norris faltered. This podium finish is a testament to Hadjar’s tenacity and racing prowess, positioning him as a serious contender for a seat alongside Verstappen in the coming seasons.

However, the road to Red Bull isn’t paved solely with Hadjar’s successes. Yuki Tsunoda, Hadjar’s former teammate, is feeling the heat as he battles to secure his place in Formula 1. Tsunoda’s struggles to match the performance of Liam Lawson during his brief stint with Red Bull have cast doubt on his future. With Mekies firmly in control of the driver lineup, the stakes are higher than ever for Tsunoda as he aims to prove he deserves to stay in the Red Bull fold.

In a recent media briefing, Mekies was questioned about the growing calls for Hadjar’s promotion. His response was both measured and strategic: “As much as we like the emotion of race-by-race feelings, the truth is that we have our drivers under contract. We are not going to rush into decisions based on the results of others. We have time.”

Mekies emphasized the importance of a thoughtful approach, stating, “There are nine races to go, and while we won’t wait until the last race, we need to ensure our drivers know where they stand.” This commitment to careful evaluation indicates that Hadjar’s recent success will be weighed alongside Tsunoda’s performance in the remaining races.

Tsunoda’s recent outing at Zandvoort saw him finish ninth, marking a significant improvement after a troubling run of races without points. Mekies remarked on Tsunoda’s potential for growth, insisting that the team wants to see him close the gap to Verstappen: “We want him to continue to progress and score points, as that is ultimately what it’s about.” With Tsunoda currently languishing at the bottom of the F1 2025 standings, the pressure is mounting as he fights for survival in the cutthroat world of Formula 1.

As the 2026 driver lineup continues to take shape, all eyes will remain glued to Red Bull Racing, where decisions made in the coming months could redefine the future of the team. Will Isack Hadjar cement his place as Verstappen’s teammate, or will Yuki Tsunoda rise to the occasion and prove his worth? One thing is for certain: the drama and intensity of Formula 1 are only just heating up.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-seasonf1-2025-standingsisack-hadjar-2max-verstappen-enoracle-red-bull-racingyuki-tsunodas
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