With five rounds remaining in the 2025 Formula 1 season, Isack Hadjar has admitted that he hopes his 2026 plans remain under wraps until the end of the season.
Earlier this week, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko reiterated that a decision on the senior team’s driver line-up should come following this weekend’s race in Mexico.
Marko has disclosed that Hadjar is guaranteed to remain on the grid next season, but the Austrian would not disclose which Red Bull-backed team that will be with.
However, the overriding consensus is that the Frenchman’s marvellous maiden campaign will see him be given the second Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen.
But while he has expressed that he is open to taking on that challenge, Hadjar would rather an announcement on his plans doesn’t come until the season has ended.
“Actually, I’d like to know at the end of the year, because it’s more annoying than anything, the noise, so five races to keep pushing,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“I’ll definitely know before it’s announced. Otherwise, there’s a problem. In an ideal world I’d like everyone to wait for the end of the year before asking me questions.”
Hadjar ‘in a better position’ compared to 12 months ago
This season has brought a different pressure to Hadjar.
Last year, while he competed in Formula 2, Hadjar fought for a chance to make it to F1; this year, before the season’s end, he already has a confirmed spot for 2026.
“12 months ago, I was a bit unsure. That’s true – I had an idea, but this year I’m in a better position,” he acknowledged.
“I know I’m in Formula 1 next year. Last year, I didn’t know what I was doing, so yeah, I’m a lot less panicked.”
However, despite his impressive season, which included a maiden podium in Zandvoort, Hadjar dismissed the idea that he could move to Red Bull for the final races.
“It’s so unlikely. It would mean I would have just two more races with the team. It’s just not going to happen,” he asserted.
“I’m so happy with the team I’m with right now. For them, I also need to bring the sixth place [in the Constructors’ Championship] home.”
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