Isack Hadjar has revealed his approach to handling speculation that Red Bull will hand him a drive for next year’s Formula 1 season, as the team’s decision nears.
The French rookie has continued to perform at a high level amid what has been an exceedingly impressive maiden season in F1 with its sister outfit Racing Bulls.
Once Hadjar’s early-season exploits proved to be more than a flash in the pan, speculation placed him on the trajectory towards a seat alongside Max Verstappen.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has recently told Kleine Zeitung that “Isack has established himself and is currently enjoying his situation,” adding: “He’s achieved incredible things.”
The Austrian also confirmed that the team’s decision on who will partner Verstappen at the senior side in 2026 will be made after next week’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
Ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Hadjar admitted he was unaware of this timeframe, but insisted the speculation is irrelevant and far from his mind when he is in the car.
“I didn’t know that,” he told media including Motorsport Week. “Honestly, it doesn’t change my approach at all. 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. I’m just doing the best I can do. That’s it.”
Hadjar has been coy on the subject of the mooted Red Bull switch since the rumours kicked off earlier in the summer.
However, he provided his biggest indication yet that partnering reigning F1 champion Verstappen is his desired outcome for 2026.
When asked if he had told the team his preference for next year, Hadjar smiled: “Yes, obviously. Since I joined the Red Bull programme, it was always to be a Red Bull driver.”
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