Here’s a bold statement: The Formula 1 world is buzzing with speculation as Isack Hadjar, the 21-year-old Racing Bulls rookie, hints at an early debut with Red Bull ahead of the 2026 season. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Hadjar has expressed openness to testing the Red Bull car sooner rather than later, he’s also admitted that jumping in now might be ‘pointless’ due to the entirely new car design coming next year. So, is this a strategic move or a missed opportunity? Let’s dive in.
Hadjar’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of impressive. Currently sitting ninth in the championship, he’s outperformed expectations with a standout podium at the Dutch Grand Prix. He’s consistently outpaced his teammate, Liam Lawson, and even Red Bull’s struggling driver, Yuki Tsunoda, who’s fighting for his F1 future in the final six rounds of the season. And this is the part most people miss—despite Tsunoda’s challenges, Hadjar is still expected to partner with Max Verstappen at Red Bull’s sister squad in 2026, when F1 introduces its revamped technical regulations.
Earlier this year, Hadjar admitted he ‘didn’t feel ready’ for a 2025 Red Bull switch. However, ahead of the United States Grand Prix, his tune seems to have changed. When asked in Austin if he’d be open to contesting the last three races of the year for Red Bull, he replied, ‘Yeah, definitely.’ Yet, he also acknowledged the irony of testing a car that will soon become obsolete. ‘It’s a completely new car next year, so it’s also pointless in a way,’ he added.
What’s truly intriguing is Hadjar’s realization that early testing could help him build relationships with Red Bull’s engineering team. ‘It definitely helps,’ he admitted, calling it a ‘good idea.’ But here’s the kicker: Red Bull plans to announce its 2026 line-ups by the Mexico Grand Prix, and Hadjar claims he ‘didn’t know’ about this timeline. Does this lack of awareness matter, or is he simply focused on his current performance?
Meanwhile, Lawson finds himself in a similar position to Tsunoda, fighting for his championship future. With F2’s Arvid Lindblad expected to join Racing Bulls next year, Lawson’s seat is far from secure. Yet, he remains unfazed, attributing this pressure to his entire F1 career so far. ‘It’s how I came into the sport last year, it’s how things have always been,’ he said. But is this resilience enough in a sport where performance is everything?
Now, let’s stir the pot—is Hadjar’s potential early move to Red Bull a smart career step, or is he risking burnout by rushing into a role he once admitted he wasn’t ready for? And what does this mean for Lawson and Tsunoda, whose futures hang in the balance? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s debate!
