Hadjar Open to Mid-Season Red Bull Prospect, Decision Timeline Nears
Austin, TX – November 2, 2023 – Isack Hadjar has indicated he would accept the opportunity to drive for Red Bull Racing in the final three races of the 2023 Formula 1 season, despite previously stating a 2026 promotion aligned best with both his growth and the upcoming regulatory changes. The revelation comes as Red bull nears a decision on its 2025 driver lineup, with Hadjar and current Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda vying to partner max Verstappen.
Hadjar had consistently maintained that 2026, coinciding with a meaningful rules reset, would be the ideal time for a step up to the senior team, perhaps mitigating Red Bull’s ancient challenges with balancing its driver pairings. However, when asked directly about a potential mid-season opportunity, Hadjar responded, “Yeah, definitely. I think that I would be…I don’t know, but if I’m 100% sure, and I get the opportunity to take some advance [on 2026], then yes.” He acknowledged the benefit of familiarizing himself with the team and engineers ahead of schedule, adding, “Definitely helps…it’s a good idea.”
Despite Hadjar’s willingness, he also noted the limited relevance of running the current car given the extensive changes planned for 2026, stating, “but simultaneously occurring, it’s a fully new car next year, so it’s also pointless in a way.”
Red Bull is expected to finalize its 2025 driver decision following the upcoming US and Mexico Grand Prix weekends. While the team has not indicated any plans to change its lineup before the end of the current season, Hadjar’s shift in viewpoint suggests growing confidence in his prospects of securing the coveted seat alongside Verstappen. – JC
