‘The beginning of a new journey’ – Hadjar admits he ‘needs to deliver’ as he reacts to Red Bull promotion

Isack Hadjar has shared his reaction following the news that he will be promoted to Red Bull in 2026, with the Frenchman admitting that he “needs to deliver” as he prepares to embark on “the beginning of a new journey”.

It was confirmed in the days prior to the 2025 season finale in Abu Dhabi that Hadjar – who has impressed many during his rookie campaign for Racing Bulls – will make the step up to partner Max Verstappen next year, while Yuki Tsunoda becomes a reserve driver for the outfit.

Over at Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson continues on with the squad and rookie Arvid Lindblad will join to fill Hadjar’s vacant seat.

Reflecting on his new role during Thursday’s media day at the Yas Marina Circuit, Hadjar said: “It’s a very good moment in my career, that’s for sure, for all the hard work through the years being rewarded now.

“This is just the beginning of a new journey, but I’m very excited, and stepping into a new era of Formula 1 as well – it’s very good timing.”

When pushed for details on how he found out about his promotion, the 21-year-old explained: “There was no very cool phone call where I pick up the phone and it’s like, ‘You’re a Red Bull Racing driver’ – that was not really how it worked.

“It was just a talk with Helmut [Marko, Red Bull advisor] I had, [which] made me understand I was driving for Red Bull and I have to deliver – that’s it.”

With a new wave of technical regulations due to come into effect for the 2026 season, Hadjar insisted that he has “no expectations at all” entering into his new position “because everyone is starting from scratch”.

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

While other drivers promoted to the team have struggled to match the pace of Verstappen in recent years, Hadjar believes that both he and the Dutchman will face the same challenge in getting used to the new generation of cars.

“It won’t be the same car next year, so we’re going to get the car we have, the car the team is going to build,” the French racer said. “I have to adapt to that car, and Max will have to do the same job.

“If the car goes into 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] twice, doing the same thing, the same job. I think I’m pretty decent at that, so I’m actually confident.”

When it was put to Hadjar that there may be similarities between himself and Verstappen in terms of driving style – and whether this had influenced the decision to promote him – he responded: “With the line-up for next year, they chose it because it makes sense, and of course because it’s a new regulation the timing is just very ideal for me.

“In terms of styles, Max has a very unique style and I would say [that for] myself as well. I’m not trying to copy what he’s doing but, in terms of mindset, we have some things in common.

“What I find very impressive with Max is that, after four World Championships, he’s still very hungry, and very mad when it doesn’t go his way because he always wants to win. I don’t think every champion can do that; once you’ve passed a certain level you can maybe slow down a bit in your approach, but he seems to be starting just like I am, so it’s very impressive.”

And when asked what excites him the most about becoming a Red Bull driver, Hadjar pointed to the team’s past – as well as reflecting on the opportunity to race alongside Verstappen.

“Being in a World Champion team – when I grew up watching Formula 1, I saw [Sebastian] Vettel winning all these races with the Red Bull – and being team mates with Max,” the rookie answered. “I’ll see what it’s like – facing the best ever in the world is definitely super exciting.”