Isack Hadjar Reveals Red Bull Target Since Debut

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Isack Hadjar has revealed that his primary objective from the very start of his Formula 1 career was to secure a promotion to Red Bull Racing and become team-mate to Max Verstappen.

The French driver explained that this ambition shaped his approach throughout his rookie campaign, as he targeted consistent performance to position himself within Red Bull’s long-term plans. That objective was ultimately achieved following a strong debut season, highlighted by a maiden podium at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Entering the 2026 season, Hadjar has continued to demonstrate competitive pace despite the challenges posed by the RB22 package. Across the opening rounds, he has managed to remain closer in performance to Verstappen than many of his predecessors, underlining his rapid adaptation at the top level.

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His path to Formula 1, however, did not begin smoothly. Hadjar’s debut was disrupted by an incident on the formation lap of the Australian Grand Prix, placing immediate pressure on his early performances. His ability to recover quickly from that setback became a defining aspect of his rookie season.

“I felt very stressed at the start of the year. I knew I didn’t have much mileage in F1, and this is the highest level with everyone pushing flat out. I was concerned about being off the pace, but it didn’t turn out that way,” Hadjar said in an official interview.

He went on to deliver a consistent run of performances, avoiding a Q1 elimination until the 16th round in Monza. This level of one-lap consistency played a crucial role in strengthening his case for promotion within the Red Bull system.

Hadjar also admitted that while he publicly adopted a step-by-step narrative, internally his objective was clear from the outset: to deliver a standout rookie season and move up to the senior team as quickly as possible.

“I knew that if I did the job naturally, I would get the promotion. Honestly, that was my target from the beginning—to have a big rookie season and step into Red Bull,” he added.

The account highlights the structured pathway within Red Bull’s driver programme, where performance, consistency, and mental resilience determine progression. As the 2026 season develops, Hadjar now faces the next phase of his career, focused on sustaining performance at the highest level alongside Verstappen.