Isack Hadjar has "no expectations" for tough Red Bull F1 seat: "Starting from scratch"

Isack Hadjar claimed he has no expectations for his move to Red Bull in 2026 as he will be “starting from scratch”.

The French-Algerian driver is set to join four-time champion Max Verstappen at the Milton Keynes outfit as he replaces Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver will move to a reserve driver role with the team, and Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad has secured a seat in Hadjar’s place at Racing Bulls next year.

“It’s a very good moment in my career, that’s for sure,” Hadjar explained during the press conference in Abu Dhabi. “For all the hard work through the years being rewarded now, obviously it’s just the beginning of a new journey.

“But I’m very excited and stepping into a new era of Formula 1 as well. I think it’s very good timing.”

Hadjar will join Red Bull at the change of the regulations in the championship.

“I have no expectations at all, because starting from scratch – everyone. The work is going to be done.

“I’m just really looking forward to January, February, working with the team, getting to know the people. It’s going to be crucial to try and be ahead a bit.”

Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

Photo by: Andrew Ferraro / LAT Images via Getty Images

Red Bull has struggled to find a team-mate for Verstappen who has been able to extract the same level of performance out of the car. After Sergio Perez was replaced for 2025 by Liam Lawson, the New Zealander only competed in two race weekends before he found himself replaced by Tsunoda. Now, the Japanese driver will be replaced by Hadjar.

Despite the recent history in the seat alongside Verstappen, Hadjar is confident. When asked what his mindset is going into the seat, Hadjar added: “Well, it’s not true. It’s not the same car at all next year. As I said, 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. If the car goes in one direction, at least I’ll be there to feel the change.

“And ideally, I contribute to that change. That would be the ideal scenario. I’ve never repeated, every year. I’ve always competed in different cars, so I don’t know what it’s like doing the same thing, the same job. I think I’m pretty decent at adapting, so I’m actually confident.”

Photos from Abu Dhabi GP – Thursday