Isack Hadjar admitted it is pleasing to race with less pressure since Helmut Marko revealed that he will race in Formula 1 with the Red Bull conglomerate in 2026.
In mid-September, Red Bull advisor Marko announced that two drivers from the Red Bull family have signed contracts for the 2026 season.
Max Verstappen is known to have a contract that runs until 2028, and the Austrian confirmed that Hajdar will be driving within the Red Bull stable next season.
However, he did not specify which seat he would occupy, whether that would be an expected promotion to partner Verstappen or remaining at Racing Bulls.
There are rumours that Arvid Lindblad will take a seat at Racing Bulls, which could result in either Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda not being part of the team in 2026.
Hadjar, who has secured his future with the brand through a scintillating debut campaign, expressed that just having his place set in stone has offered him solace.
“It’s a good position to be in, but at the same time, my whole career I’ve been used to having to chase until the very final race – every championship I’ve been in – to try and prove and go up the ranks,” Hadjar told media including Motorsport Week.
Yet, he also divulged how the pressure to perform is often what has pushed him to do his best, so racing without that has been a new experience he’s had to adapt to.
“It’s a new place to be, but it definitely takes out a bit of pressure,” he added. “If anything, I always enjoy the pressure. I feel like it’s when I’m delivering at my best level.”
An impressive maiden season
The 2025 F1 season has been a mixed year for the rookies, with some outperforming their cars, while others have struggled.
Hadjar has been one who has impressed since the beginning, consistently outscoring his team-mates, capped off with a maiden podium in Zandvoort.
Despite having the security of an F1 seat, the Racing Bulls driver made it clear that his approach to racing won’t change in the final stages of his rookie season.
“Let’s see how I handle the last few races. But I’m always going to push very hard and take risks,” he concluded.
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