Oct.24 (GMM) Regardless of a dip in kind since summer season, Isack Hadjar stays assured he’s on track for promotion to Crimson Bull Racing in 2026 – whilst stress mounts among the many present Racing Bulls lineup.
The 21-year-old Frenchman endured a subdued weekend in Austin however instructed Sky Italia he’s wanting to bounce again in Mexico.
“I’m actually wanting to get again within the automobile,” Hadjar stated. “I wish to assume I might be one of the best rookie of the season, however the comparability can’t actually be made, as a result of I don’t have the identical automobile as Antonelli, Bortoleto or Bearman.”
Hadjar admitted his final purpose is obvious.
“My purpose is to go to Crimson Bull and change into Verstappen’s teammate,” he stated. “I’d be disenchanted if that didn’t occur. However on the identical time, it might be exhausting to depart Racing Bulls as a result of I’m doing so properly.”
He confirmed that, no matter occurs, his future is safe contained in the Crimson Bull organisation.
“I do know I’ll nonetheless be in System 1 subsequent 12 months, whereas this time final 12 months, I had no thought what was in retailer,” he stated. “So you might say I’m much less panicked now.”
Hadjar additionally performed down earlier hypothesis that he may change Yuki Tsunoda earlier than the top of 2025.
“That might imply I’d should do two extra races with my workforce,” he stated with a smile. “However that’s not going to occur. I’m blissful at Racing Bulls, I’m working for the workforce, and I want to assist obtain sixth place within the Constructors’ Championship.”
His state of affairs contrasts sharply with that of Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, who seem like vying for the only remaining Racing Bulls seat for 2026 – with junior Arvid Lindblad anticipated to make his debut alongside Hadjar.
After an on-track conflict in Austin and a few offended radio outbursts, Tsunoda publicly apologised in Mexico. Each drivers have been quizzed concerning the incident and their unsure futures through the official FIA press convention.
“We haven’t spoken in particular person,” Tsunoda admitted. “I apologised to the workforce and to VCARB. What I stated, particularly within the media, was very pointless.”
Lawson stated he’s making an attempt to remain centered amid the noise.
“Each weekend I’m simply making an attempt to do one of the best job I can,” he stated. “Our method doesn’t actually change – we’re nonetheless ready on what’s going to occur.”
Requested if he’s finished sufficient to maintain his seat, Lawson replied:
“You at all times look again and be taught from errors, however I really feel like I’ve finished every little thing I can. It’s at all times been performance-based – you drive quick, you keep.”
As for Tsunoda, the Japanese driver is aware of consistency could be the deciding issue.
“It’s fairly clear – I must maintain scoring each race,” he stated. “I feel I’m on the suitable trajectory, particularly within the second half of the season. The workforce is aware of what I can do; now it’s about outcomes.”
