Why did Red Bull sign Isack Hadjar for the 2026 F1 season?

Explaining the Milton Keynes-based outfit’s determination to advertise Isack Hajdar into the crew alongside Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull’s crew boss Laurent Mekies added that he believes that the Frenchman “can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on observe.”

Forward of this weekend’s season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Crimson Bull introduced that Isack Hadjar will be part of Max Verstappen to type the Workforce’s 2026 driver line-up.

Isack, who solely turned 21 in September, made his F1 debut with Crimson Bull’s junior crew, Racing Bulls at first of the present season. His spotlight of his 12 months has been his maiden F1 podium end on the Dutch Grand Prix in August.

Hadjar’s promotion additionally implies that Crimson Bull will bid farewell to Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver joined the Crimson Bull household in 2019 as a part of its Junior Workforce.

The Sagamihara-born driver has competed in over 100 races, first with the crew now often known as Visa Money App Racing Bulls, earlier than turning into the tenth Crimson Bull Junior graduate to race for Crimson Bull, beginning at this 12 months’s Japan Grand Prix.

Though he’ll lose his F1 race seat, Tsunoda will stay inside the Crimson Bull household as he strikes into the position of Crimson Bull Check and Reserve Driver for 2026.

Explaining the Milton Keynes-based outfit’s determination to advertise Hajdar into the crew alongside Verstappen, Crimson Bull’s crew boss Laurent Mekies believes that the Frenchman “can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on observe.”

“Yuki has raced in Crimson Bull colors for seven years now and I’ve had the pleasure of working with him at each Crimson Bull groups. By his 5 seasons up to now in Components One, Yuki has matured into an entire racer, good over a single lap on Saturday and able to distinctive begins and glorious race craft on Sunday.

“Everybody within the sport would agree it’s unattainable to not like Yuki, his persona is infectious, and he has turn into a really particular a part of the Crimson Bull household.

“On behalf of everybody at Crimson Bull, I thank him for what he has contributed up to now and we all know he’ll present invaluable assist to the 2026 tasks transferring forwards.

“As for Isack, in his first F1 season, he has displayed nice maturity and proved to be a fast learner. Most significantly, he has demonstrated the uncooked pace that’s the primary requirement on this sport.

“We consider Isack can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on observe! 2026 will likely be an enormous problem for the Workforce and for Crimson Bull Ford Powertrains, these are thrilling instances, and I’m trying ahead to seeing what we are able to do collectively.”

Commenting on the announcement, Isack Hadjar, stated: “I’m so grateful to Oracle Crimson Bull Racing for giving me the chance and belief to race on the highest degree of Components One.

“After all of the arduous work I’ve put in since becoming a member of the Junior Workforce, it’s such an incredible reward. I’ve had many ups and downs all through my profession, they usually stored believing and pushing me.

Signing off with a phrase for his debut 12 months with Racing Bulls, Hadjar stated: “This 12 months with Visa Money App Racing Bulls has been completely wonderful, I’ve learnt rather a lot and secured a maiden podium. I really feel I’m a lot better as a racing driver and an individual, as a result of Workforce‘s assist and preparation.

“I really feel able to go to Oracle Crimson Bull Racing and I’m pleased and proud they really feel the identical. It’s an superior transfer, to work with one of the best and study from Max is one thing I can’t anticipate.”

F1earlier