Isack Hadjar has shared his excitement and disbelief after being named as a Red Bull Formula 1 driver, with his first season at the team set for 2026 alongside the reigning champion, Max Verstappen, at the team’s base in Milton Keynes. The Isack Hadjar Red Bull interview highlights his emotional reaction, the pressures of the role, and the remarkable journey from his early racing days to one of motorsport’s most prominent seats.
Initial Reaction and Family Involvement in the News
During his first official appearance as a Red Bull driver on the team’s Talking Bull podcast, the French–Algerian racer described how the news first reached him and his family. Hadjar revealed that his mother, who doubles as his manager, was the first person he tried to call after learning of the move, only to discover she already knew the news before him.
“She said that she actually got the phone call before I had it. She knew. Because she’s my manager and she knows more than I do.”
– Isack Hadjar
Hadjar openly admitted the experience feels surreal, using moments of self-reflection to process his rapid ascent in motorsport. Questioned about whether the announcement had fully sunk in, he explained he oscillates between confidence and disbelief about his new position.
“It’s so far away from my go-kart days. I’m like, ‘Why me? How did I get chosen?’”
– Isack Hadjar
Joining a Team of Champions Amid Driver Changes
The path to Hadjar’s place at Red Bull has seen notable shifts among the team’s roster. Recently, Liam Lawson stepped in for Sergio Perez but was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after just two races, illustrating the high demands and rapid turnover that characterize the squad’s approach to talent. Despite the obvious pressure that surrounds joining one of Formula 1’s most competitive teams, Hadjar expressed his enthusiasm about sharing a garage with Verstappen.
“I’m just 21 years old. I started single-seater racing in 2019, and I get to be team-mates with the best driver on the grid. It’s a huge, huge privilege.”
– Isack Hadjar
His anticipation is clear as he prepares to work alongside Verstappen, reflecting the sentiment that even young drivers can reach the pinnacle of the sport through both performance and timing.
Learning from Verstappen and Upholding a Racing Heritage
Hadjar is eager to study Verstappen’s racing craft closely, particularly impressed by the Dutchman’s ability to maximize every opportunity on track, regardless of external conditions or the competitiveness of the car in a given season. Hadjar noted Verstappen’s consistent speed in qualifying and remarkable race performances, such as nearly claiming the world championship in 2025 despite not having the dominant car.
“If there’s a single opportunity, if there’s a scenario out of 10 million, there’s only one where he’s actually going to win the race; he’s going to win the race.”
– Isack Hadjar
The Racing Bulls alumnus is determined to absorb as much knowledge as possible from both his teammate and the Red Bull team structure as he prepares for his debut season in Formula 1.
Memorable Encounter with Alain Prost and Personal Motivation
Beyond his racing achievements, Hadjar reflected on meeting four-time world champion Alain Prost during an event in Abu Dhabi, calling the experience “unreal.” He explained that although he grew up cheering for Ayrton Senna, his appreciation for Prost’s methodical approach and successful career has grown over time. The personal dimension of this meeting was heightened by the presence of Hadjar’s father, Yassine Hadjar, who is a physicist and longtime admirer of Prost.
“And my dad, he’s a physicist, and he always wanted to meet Alain Prost. He was here when I gave him my helmet. So actually the best moment was seeing my dad, who actually watched Prost racing live. To spend a bit of time with him, I was so hyped for my dad. It was the best moment.”
– Isack Hadjar
His admiration for Prost also contributed to Hadjar’s nickname ‘Le Petit Prost,’ which he attributes to adopting some of the French legend’s habits, even down to nail biting – yet another sign of the personal and professional inspiration he draws from his racing heroes.
Looking Ahead to a High-Pressure Debut
As he anticipates joining Red Bull for the new season, Isack Hadjar stands on the threshold of a defining career chapter, surrounded by legendary names like Max Verstappen and guided by formative family support. His journey from go-karting to Formula 1 underscores the belief that perseverance, talent, and opportunity remain fundamental in the world’s top racing series. The Isack Hadjar Red Bull interview captures a young driver embracing both the expectation and privilege of a seat alongside the best, promising a compelling story as he takes on Formula 1’s biggest stage.
