Red Bull Racing is quietly preparing for a potential seismic shift in their driver lineup, with emerging talent Isack Hadjar positioning himself as a serious contender for the coveted 2026 seat. The French Formula 2 star's impressive development within the Red Bull junior programme has not gone unnoticed by team principal Christian Horner.
The Rising Star from Paris
At just 19 years old, Isack Hadjar has been making waves throughout the motorsport world with his commanding performances in Formula 2. The Paris-born driver currently sits fourth in the championship standings, demonstrating the consistency and raw pace that has Red Bull's top brass taking notice.
Christian Horner recently revealed to Mirror Sport that Hadjar has been "doing a great job" in the development programme. "He's won a couple of races now in Formula 2 and he's fourth in the championship," Horner stated, highlighting the young driver's growing credentials.
Perfect Timing for 2026 Revolution
The 2026 Formula 1 season represents a pivotal moment for the sport, with sweeping new technical regulations set to level the playing field. This creates the ideal environment for introducing fresh talent, and Red Bull appears to be strategically positioning Hadjar for this exact scenario.
With Sergio Perez's contract concluding at the end of 2024 and ongoing speculation about Max Verstappen's long-term future with the team, the stars could be aligning for Hadjar's promotion. The young Frenchman understands the significance of timing in motorsport, recently telling media: "It's all about being in the right place at the right time."
Red Bull's Development Machine in Action
Hadjar's progression exemplifies Red Bull's renowned driver development system. After joining the junior team in 2022, he's been methodically groomed through intensive simulator work and testing opportunities. His current F2 campaign with Campos Racing has provided the perfect platform to showcase his racecraft and technical understanding.
The French driver remains grounded about his prospects, acknowledging the competitive nature of Red Bull's programme. "There are a lot of good drivers in the Red Bull academy," Hadjar noted, while expressing confidence in his own development trajectory.
The Verstappen Factor
While Max Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until 2028, the ongoing internal tensions within the team have sparked speculation about his long-term commitment. Should the Dutch champion seek new challenges elsewhere, it would create an unprecedented opportunity for the next generation of Red Bull talent.
Hadjar represents exactly the type of young, hungry driver that could thrive in the new regulatory era, potentially forming part of a new-look Red Bull lineup that could include other promising juniors like Liam Lawson.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Red Bull manages this delicate transition between established superstars and emerging talent. For Isack Hadjar, the dream of racing in Formula 1 has never felt more attainable.
