Isack Hadjar, the Racing Bulls driver, has openly acknowledged that his place in Formula 1 for the 2026 season is still uncertain. Despite his impressive performances this year, including a standout podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, the French rookie is aware that upcoming changes to the sport could affect his future team prospects.
The upcoming F1 2026 season is set to introduce significant transformations in car regulations and power units. These upcoming shifts, alongside changes within Red Bull Racing’s powertrain development and driver lineup, contribute to the uncertainty surrounding Hadjar’s career path in the immediate future.
Regulatory and Technical Shifts Reshaping the 2026 Season
The 2026 Formula 1 season will mark the start of a new regulatory chapter, drastically altering the sport’s technical landscape. New cars will be lighter and powered by engines combining electric and combustion elements at a 50/50 ratio. Major changes include the removal of the Drag Reduction System (DRS) and the introduction of active aerodynamics, which aim to enhance racing dynamics.
For Red Bull Racing, the transition is particularly significant as the team switches from using Honda engines to their own Red Bull Powertrains units, developed in collaboration with Ford. Both Red Bull’s senior squad and their junior team, Racing Bulls, will compete with these new power units, adding complexity to driver and team strategies.
Driver Lineup Questions at Red Bull Ahead of 2026
Red Bull has yet to announce its driver lineup for 2026, creating further uncertainty. While Max Verstappen’s seat is secure, speculation surrounds other drivers, including Yuki Tsunoda, who is considered unlikely to retain his position. Neither Isack Hadjar nor teammate Liam Lawson have confirmed their places for the next season, compounding the unpredictability for the Racing Bulls squad.
Hadjar has candidly shared the limited clarity he currently has on his future. When asked about his plans, he stated:
“I don’t know myself, so I can’t help you,”
—Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls driver
Regarding the pressure from this uncertainty, he added:
“To be honest, it’s nothing really new to me,”
—Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls driver
He explained how his career path has always been uncertain:
“The road to F1 was more than uncertain as well. I’m used to not really knowing what I’m going to do next.”
“So I’m used to living [in] the present and giving my maximum. I’m not worried, and I’m just focused.”
—Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls driver
Strong Performance at the Dutch Grand Prix Boosts Hadjar’s Standing
Hadjar’s composed attitude has served him well, especially at the recent Dutch Grand Prix held at Zandvoort. After qualifying in a career-best fourth position, he maintained his hold on this spot for nearly the entire race. When Lando Norris’s McLaren retired unexpectedly, Hadjar inherited a podium finish, marking a milestone in his first F1 season.
Reflecting on the outcome, Hadjar described the experience as surreal, stating, “It feels a bit unreal.” He was particularly proud of his consistent race pace:
“What was most surprising for me was keeping that fourth place for the whole race.”
He acknowledged the advantage taken from Norris’s retirement but emphasized his own clean performance:
“Unfortunately for Lando, we took advantage of his [retirement], but we made no mistakes.”
“The car was on rails the whole weekend, and I’m really happy about myself because I really maximised what I had, made no mistakes and brought home the podium, so I’m so happy for my guys.”
—Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls driver
This podium boosted Hadjar’s position in the drivers’ standings, placing him tied for tenth with Nico Hülkenberg at 37 points.
Adapting to a Challenging Environment at Racing Bulls
Since his mid-season promotion to Racing Bulls, Hadjar has demonstrated adaptability despite some early setbacks, such as an incident at the Australian Grand Prix. Joining a team where Max Verstappen holds a dominant lead, with significant input into car development, presents challenges for new teammates. Previous drivers like Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, and Sergio Perez have experienced difficulties in this shadow.
The RB21 car for 2025 has proven highly unpredictable and demanding to master, a fact reflected in the struggles of Hadjar’s current teammate Liam Lawson during the season’s opening races.
With the switch to the RBPT-Ford engine, alongside the technical overhaul and changes in personnel at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes base, the team faces an uncertain outlook. This uncertainty extends to driver contracts and future race strategies.
What Lies Ahead for Hadjar and Red Bull in 2026
Isack Hadjar’s continuation in Formula 1 beyond 2025 appears likely, but the exact identity of his team remains unknown. Whether he stays with Racing Bulls, moves within the Red Bull organization, or explores other options will depend on how the technical changes and team dynamics evolve. His focus remains on performing strongly in the present while navigating the uncertainty of what 2026 holds for his racing career.
