“Just a talk with Helmut”: Hadjar’s no-frills arrival at Red Bull’s for 2026

Written by Kavi Khandelwal

The atmosphere surrounding the Red Bull paddock took on a fresh dimension with the confirmation of Isack Hadjar’s promotion to the senior team for the 2026 regulations era.

The French driver spoke with a blend of excitement and intense focus on the task ahead, making it clear that his success would be built on adapting to the new machinery, not just comparing himself to his new teammate.

Credit: Formula One

Hadjar described the achievement as the culmination of years of relentless effort.

"It's a very good moment in my career, that's for sure. For all the hard work through the years being rewarded now. Obviously, it's just the beginning of a new journey, but yeah, I'm very excited and stepping into a new era of Formula 1 as well. I think it's a very good timing."

When asked to describe the moment he found out, Hadjar confirmed the famously direct, non-ceremonial style of the Red Bull driver development program.

"There was no very cool phone call where I pick up the phone and it’s like 'Yeah, you're a Red Bull Racing driver,' you know? It's not really how it worked. It was just a talk with Helmut I had. He made me understand I was driving for Red Bull, and I had to deliver. That’s it."

Hadjar revealed that the decision was made very late in the season, underscoring the tight competition within the Red Bull academy.

"I can't tell you [the exact date], but let's say I found out very late. Let's say, Qatar race week."

The Max Verstappen comparison

Hadjar immediately shut down suggestions that he would struggle with a car historically tuned for Max Verstappen, emphasizing that the new 2026 regulations level the playing field entirely.

"Well, it's not true. It’s not the same car at all next year. So that’s it. We're going to get the car we have. The team is going to build this car. I have to adapt to that car, and Max will have to do the same job."

He expressed confidence in his ability to quickly adapt to the new package, having never spent more than a single season in the same machinery throughout his junior career.

"I've never repeated every year. I've always competed in different cars, so I don't know what it's like doing twice the same thing, the same job. So I think I'm pretty decent at adapting, so I'm actually confident."

Engineers within the Red Bull stable have noted Hadjar’s similarity to Verstappen’s aggressive style, but Hadjar highlighted the competitive mindset they share above all else.

"What I find very impressive with Max is that after four world championships, he's still very, very hungry and very mad when it doesn't go his way, because he always wants to win. And, you know, I don't think every champion can do that. Once you pass a certain level, you can maybe slow down a bit in your approach, but he seems to be starving, just like I am. So, it's very impressive."

The new era mentality

Looking forward to the regulation change, Hadjar confirmed that his focus is purely on the work ahead, without setting artificial performance targets.

"I have no expectations at all because it's starting from scratch, everyone. So yeah, the work is going to be done. I'm just really looking forward to January, February, working with the team, getting to know all the people. Yeah. It's going to be crucial to try and be ahead a bit."

The move to Red Bull Racing completes a reshuffle in the organization's driver line-up, which saw Arvid Lindblad secure the seat vacated by Hadjar at Racing Bulls. Lindblad's own quote reflected the rapid nature of the entire Red Bull system:

"Feels good, obviously very happy now the news is out. Very much looking forward to it next year. It feels good. It's come quite quickly, I've gone through the ranks very fast. When I started this journey when I was 5 I believed I could be in F1. I had that same belief when I was 14 and I have that same belief today."