20/09/2025 10:03
Red Bull’s next big call: fast-track the rookie or wait?
Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar is emerging as the leading internal candidate for a 2026 Red Bull seat. Helmut Marko agrees that the regulation reset could be the best moment for the step up — but whether the Frenchman is ready after just one F1 season is the big question.
The case for Hadjar
- Strong rookie credentials and maturity under pressure.
- 2026 rules may level the field, reducing the experience gap.
- Cultural fit within Red Bull’s talent pipeline.
The challenges ahead
Slotting into the second Red Bull seat means handling relentless scrutiny, delivering consistent points, and thriving alongside Max Verstappen. Team bosses point to areas for refinement, from race craft to tyre management, that will be decisive in selection.
With 2026 approaching fast, Red Bull must balance potential with proof — and Hadjar is under the microscope.
