Hadjar Poised To Thrive At Red Bull Under 2026 Regulation Changes

Isack Hadjar heads into the 2026 Formula One season with strong backing from former Red Bull drivers Alex Albon and Sergio Perez, who both believe the French driver can succeed alongside Max Verstappen when the new regulations arrive and Red Bull refresh their line-up.

Hadjar steps up from Racing Bulls to the main Red Bull team for 2026, taking over from Yuki Tsunoda as Verstappen's new team-mate. Perez and Albon both had earlier chances in that role, yet neither managed to match Verstappen over a full campaign, despite Perez helping secure Verstappen's first world title.

Perez, who returns to the grid with Cadillac for 2026, sees the regulation reset as ideal timing for Hadjar's promotion. Perez said: "I think he's ready to come into Red Bull with such a change in the regulations." The rule changes are expected to reshape the competitive order and reduce some of Verstappen's long-term advantages.

Perez then underlined Hadjar's potential across a full season in Formula 1. Perez said: "I think Isack is a very talented driver; he's shown that, and I'm sure as long as he stays cool throughout the year, he will have a very successful career in Formula 1. Being team-mates with Max at Red Bull, it's a great team, so I think it's a great place for him to be in at this point of his career. I think it's a massive opportunity."

Hadjar earned his promotion after a solid season with Racing Bulls, where 51 points placed Hadjar level with Nico Hulkenberg in the drivers' standings. Both finished on 51 points, sharing 11th place. Hadjar's standout moment arrived at the Dutch Grand Prix, where third place in the Netherlands delivered a first Formula 1 podium.

The French driver's calm approach has also impressed Albon, who expects the regulation shift to suit Hadjar. Albon said: "I think Isack is a quick driver, and I think actually a lot of this regulation change will be good. It's a fresh start for everyone. Based on what I've seen so far, he seems to be quite comfortable with the car. I think it's a lot of learning to do, not just in terms of having a quick team-mate, but the car itself, so I think he's gonna do okay."

Isack Hadjar Red Bull Max Verstappen partnership in new 2026 F1 era

Red Bull hope the new Verstappen–Hadjar partnership adapts quickly when the 2026 technical rules come into effect, with both drivers needing to understand different car behaviour and power units. For Hadjar, the challenge adds to the task of racing Verstappen in equal machinery and handling the pressure that previously tested Albon and Perez.

The 2026 Formula One season begins with the Australian Grand Prix on 8 March, giving Hadjar and Red Bull a clear target date for final preparations. By that opening round in Melbourne, the team aim to blend Verstappen's experience with Hadjar's development, as the French driver starts a crucial phase in a still young Formula 1 career.