Isack Hadjar “has an idea” about what Red Bull‘s team arrangements will look like next season amid reports he is set to become Max Verstappen‘s next teammate.
From failing to get past the formation lap on debut at the Australian Grand Prix to celebrating his first podium finish, it has been a rollercoaster season for Hadjar.
However, his second season in Formula 1 could look vastly different if he accepts a move to work directly under Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies.
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The 20-year-old rookie has impressed since his disappointing Australian Grand Prix appearance and is now in the frame to replace Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull.
German media has reported that Red Bull’s management is looking to replace a struggling Tsunoda at the end of the year, with the Japanese driver failing to consistently secure points for the team.
Isack Hadjar applauds while Max Verstappen walks to the podium at the Dutch Grand Prix. Getty
A troubling run of results has positioned Tsunoda 19th overall in the world driver standings, while Hadjar sits in ninth in a Racing Bulls car.
Such a difference in results has caught the attention of many, as speculation continues to swirl over whether Hadjar will be the next driver called up to Red Bull’s main team.
But the French rookie insists he has not signed any deal with Red Bull’s main team.
“I think it’s very funny … because I didn’t sign anything,” he said about the reports.
“I have an idea [of Red Bull’s 2026 plans], but I don’t know.
Isack Hadjar and Max Verstappen embrace before heading to the podium. NurPhoto via Getty Images
“The goal has always been to be a Red Bull driver since I signed with Red Bull, with the Red Bull Junior Team, so I think it is quite clear.
“It [driver decisions] has always been decided, at least for me, at the very end of the season. I think it makes sense, because there are eight races to go, so I need to keep pushing.”
Hadjar went on to admit he “couldn’t care less” about the rumours before declaring he “had other things to do than scrolling on Instagram” during his days off.
Red Bull Racing boss Laurent Mekies confirmed that no mid-season swap would take place, with Tsunoda already promoted into the senior team to replace Liam Lawson.
Lawson only survived two races with the main team before he was demoted to Racing Bulls, but he has yet to ink a deal to remain on the grid next season.
Tsunoda and Hadjar also have no contracts for 2026.
Isack Hadjar drives the (6) Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 02 on track at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. LAT Images
Lawson warned Hadjar ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to “ignore everything that is being said” about his contract situation.
“At the end of the day, we’re all racing drivers, we all have to have enough self-confidence to be in the sport in the first place,” he said.
“We don’t come here thinking that other people are better than us, otherwise we wouldn’t be here. So I think to just have faith in yourself.
“He’s done a good job this year and I think he needs to just focus on the job and focus on preparing the best he can.
“Not listening to everything that’s said about what it’s going to be like because, at the end of the day, nobody actually knows. Only the guys that have done it (know).”