Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, has outlined the timeline for Isack Hadjar’s potential move to Red Bull Racing. The young French driver, currently competing with Red Bull’s junior team Racing Bulls, is considered a strong candidate to join the senior squad alongside Max Verstappen. Although speculation suggested this promotion might happen during the current season, Marko has indicated a later date may be more suitable.
Hadjar has shown impressive performances in his rookie season, highlighted by a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, elevating him as a leading choice to replace Yuki Tsunoda for the 2024 season. Despite rumors of a mid-season switch, Marko believes the optimal moment for Hadjar’s promotion aligns with the introduction of new F1 regulations in 2026.
“Of course, these ground effect cars are very special and, through the regulations, it will be a completely new sort of driving,”
Marko explained when addressing whether the 2026 regulatory changes offered the perfect opportunity.
“You have to use a lot of your brain for the recovery system. So I think it’s a good move, it’s a good time for a move.”
Context Behind Hadjar’s Prospects and Team Dynamics
Red Bull operates four Formula 1 seats across its Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls teams, with drivers contracted to the central Red Bull entity rather than individual squads. This arrangement allows flexibility in moving drivers between the two sides, exemplified by Yuki Tsunoda’s swift promotion following Liam Lawson’s challenging start to the season at Red Bull Racing.
Looking ahead to 2026, Tsunoda is expected to depart Red Bull Racing, potentially joining Aston Martin alongside Honda’s engine partnership. This move would free a senior seat for a Red Bull junior driver, likely Arvid Lindblad, leaving space at Racing Bulls for new talent.
Despite the anticipation, Hadjar’s promotion is not officially confirmed. Marko noted Hadjar is still developing, emphasizing patience in the young driver’s growth.
“He has a very good relationship with his engineer, he’s also French, so it helps, but it just has to keep going and developing like he is.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Red Bull’s Driver Lineup
Hadjar’s integration into Red Bull Racing will likely coincide with Formula 1’s new 2026 regulations, which will bring significant changes to car design and driving style. The shift to more complex ground effect vehicles demands a high level of technical understanding, favoring drivers who adapt quickly to new systems.
Marko’s approach suggests Red Bull aims to time Hadjar’s promotion for when the competitive landscape resets, giving the young rookie a fresh start alongside Verstappen. This strategy also addresses internal team dynamics, as the departure of Tsunoda and movements involving drivers like Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson shape the future lineup.
As these developments unfold, Hadjar’s gradual progression and ongoing development remain crucial to Red Bull’s plans. The coming seasons will reveal whether he can meet the expectations set for a spot in one of Formula 1’s top teams.
