Imagine being on the cusp of your Formula 1 dream, the roar of the Red Bull engine practically within earshot. Isack Hadjar, the young gun currently making waves with Racing Bulls, finds himself in precisely this tantalizing position. But the question on everyone's mind: should he get an early taste of the Red Bull machine before the massive regulation changes coming in 2026?
Hadjar himself seems increasingly open to the idea. The 21-year-old rookie has been turning heads during the 2025 season. His consistent performance has landed him ninth place in the championship standings, highlighted by a memorable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix. He's not just holding his own; he’s often outperforming his Racing Bulls teammate, Liam Lawson. And, perhaps even more significantly, he’s frequently ahead of Yuki Tsunoda, the current Red Bull driver who's struggling to secure his spot and currently sits at a distant 17th in the championship. Tsunoda's future with Red Bull is decidedly uncertain as the season winds down.
Regardless of Tsunoda's fate, the buzz around the paddock is that Hadjar is the frontrunner to partner Max Verstappen at the main Red Bull team in 2026. This is when F1 undergoes a radical transformation with brand-new technical regulations, promising a shake-up of the competitive order. But here's where it gets controversial... is throwing a relatively inexperienced driver into a completely new car alongside a seasoned champion the best move for Red Bull? Some argue it's a high-risk strategy, while others believe Hadjar's raw talent makes him worth the gamble.
Interestingly, earlier this year, Hadjar expressed reservations about making the jump to Red Bull in 2025, stating he "doesn't feel ready." However, speaking ahead of the United States Grand Prix, his tune seemed to have changed. When asked directly if he'd be willing to race the final three races of the current year with Red Bull, Hadjar responded positively: "Yeah, definitely. I think that would be... I don't know, but if I'm 100% sure and I get the opportunity to take some advance, then yes. But at the same time, it's a completely new car next year, so it's also pointless in a way.” It’s a fascinating contradiction – a desire for experience tempered by the understanding that the 2025 car will be largely irrelevant in 2026.
It was then pointed out to Hadjar that even a short stint with Red Bull could provide invaluable experience working with the team's engineers, a crucial element in building a successful partnership. This seemed to resonate with him. “It definitely helps. Yeah, I didn't think about this, to be honest. That's interesting. It's a good idea.” And this is the part most people miss... the human element. Formula 1 isn't just about driving; it's about the intricate dance between driver and team, the unspoken communication, the shared understanding built over time.
Red Bull has previously indicated that they plan to announce their driver lineups for both teams by the Mexico Grand Prix, which follows immediately after the Austin race. Hadjar claims he wasn't aware of this timeline, but insists it doesn't affect his focus. "I've been saying it a million times. Maybe a lot of talking, but when you're strapped in the car, and I drive, I really don't think about something else than just doing the best I can do. That's it,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Liam Lawson, Hadjar's teammate, is also in a precarious position, fighting for his F1 future. The expectation is that F2 hotshot Arvid Lindblad will be promoted to Racing Bulls next year, leaving only one seat available alongside the young talent. Lawson, despite a strong showing as a substitute for Daniel Ricciardo in 2023, knows the pressure is always on. "It's my entire career in Formula 1 so far, not that it's been very long but that's how it's been,” Lawson explained. He acknowledges the constant pressure within the Red Bull junior program, stating, "We're put under this pressure, we're always on a performance-based programme and it's designed to put us under pressure so it's nothing new honestly.”
So, what's the verdict? Should Red Bull give Hadjar a head start? Is it worth the risk of potentially disrupting a winning formula to integrate a rookie into a completely new car? Or should they stick with a more experienced driver? And what about Lawson – does he deserve another shot to prove his worth? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! This is a decision that could shape the future of Red Bull Racing for years to come.
