Promoted to Red Bull for his second season in Formula 1, Isack Hadjar hopes to aim high in 2026. The Frenchman prefers to remain cautious at the start of this new technical era.
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After a first season spent at Racing Bulls, Isack Hadjar is preparing to start a new stage of his career by joining Red Bull Racing. This change marks an important turning point for the French driver, who is discovering a very different structure and significantly higher ambitions.
Evolving in a top-tier team also implies a change in status. Hadjar is no longer just part of the pack: he now finds himself in a position where results are expected regularly, and where the fight for the top spots becomes a credible objective.
The Frenchman approaches this new adventure with enthusiasm and motivation: “I am happy to normally fight for better results this year, it’s a whole new adventure and I am looking forward to seeing what our progress will be this year,” he explains.
A start to the season marked by caution
Despite the ambition that accompanies his arrival at Red Bull, Hadjar prefers to remain measured regarding the first races of the season. Formula 1 is indeed entering a new technical era in 2026, with a brand-new set of regulations that could reshuffle the deck among the teams.
In this context, the Frenchman believes that the priority will be above all to understand the car and progressively exploit its potential.
“For this new season, with the new regulations, it will be important to finish the first races to understand where we need to go with the car to have a solid second half, which is the most important thing,”, he emphasizes.
The immediate objective therefore remains simple: see the finish line and score points: “I can normally expect points. It’s not what we hope for, but if we finish the race it’s already a good start.”
A podium in sight
Even if he keeps his feet on the ground, the French driver does not hide his ambitions. After securing a first podium last year at the Zandvoort circuit, Hadjar hopes to quickly return to the top three positions.
“But I think we have a good car, I’m aiming more for a podium but I’m not sure where we stand,” he admits, however, with caution.
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Winter testing has hinted at a solid car in race conditions. On the other hand, pure performance over one lap remains more uncertain.
“If I base it solely on what I saw during testing, it seems we have a good race car, and that’s the main thing.”
The Frenchman nuances his comments, however: “I don’t think we are exceptional over a full lap. This could prove to be a bit tricky.”
An experience that made him grow
The previous year also allowed Hadjar to live an unusual experience for him. Accustomed since his debut to fighting for victories and podiums, he had to learn to race further back in the pack.
“I had been fighting for podiums and victories since karting, so last year was an unprecedented period for me,” he confides.
Despite this new situation, the Frenchman believes he benefited from this learning season: “But I got through it successfully. Now, knowing that I can aim for better results is what motivates me.”
This confidence was built progressively, including after a complicated start to the season last year at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, where his weekend had ended even before the start.
“When I had my accident, five seconds later no, but a few hours later yes. It changes very quickly, and I’ve always had that belief, that’s what motivates me.”
With a seat at Red Bull and a new technical era beginning, Hadjar is approaching 2026 with ambition… but without skipping steps. His immediate goal remains clear: finish races, collect points, and seize podium opportunities when they arise.
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