The Frenchman Isack Hadjar will continue to line up for Oracle Red Bull Racing in the 2027 Formula 1 campaign. The announcement, made ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, formalises an extended deal that locks the young driver into the team for another year. Hadjar, who joined the Red Bull Junior Programme in 2022, has already gathered a résumé that includes a tightly contested Formula 2 title battle, a reserve-driver role, and a breakthrough rookie season in the senior team.
His progress through the junior ranks has been closely monitored by the Red Bull organisation, which has a reputation for nurturing talent from karting to the pinnacle of motorsport. The reserve driver stint in gave him valuable exposure to the car’s hybrid power unit and to the data-rich environment of the Milton Keynes factory, setting the stage for his promotion.
From junior ranks to Formula 1 seat
Hadjar entered the Red Bull Junior Team after impressing in French and European karting series. In 2022 he stepped into Formula 3, quickly adapting to the increased downforce and tyre management demands. His Formula 2 campaign culminated in a close fight for the championship against Audi-backed Gabriel Bortoleto. Although the title slipped away in the final round, Hadjar’s consistency earned him a promotion to the senior outfit.
Red Bull’s talent pipeline is designed to fast-track drivers who demonstrate technical feedback ability and race-craft. Hadjar’s willingness to immerse himself in engineering discussions, combined with his composure during high-pressure qualifying sessions, convinced the team that he was ready for a full-time seat.
2024 debut, podiums and setback
Replacing Yuki Tsunoda for the 2024 season, Hadjar made an immediate impact. He scored points in his opening races and delivered a stunning second-place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix, the circuit’s narrow streets testing the finest driver finesse. The podium highlighted his capacity to extract performance from the evolving 2024 regulations, particularly the new aerodynamics package.
Mid-season, however, a wrist injury forced him to miss the final three rounds. The setback halted his momentum, but his recovery has been swift. Team Principal Laurent Mekies praised his resilience, noting that Hadjar spent the downtime analysing simulation data and supporting his engineers, keeping his development contribution active.
Performance in Monaco
Monaco remains one of the most demanding venues on the calendar. Hadjar’s second-place finish there not only earned him a valuable podium but also demonstrated his mastery of brake modulation and cornering precision. The result placed him firmly among the season’s top performers, reinforcing Red Bull’s confidence in his long-term potential.
Return to Azerbaijan
The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks Hadjar’s first race back after the injury. The circuit’s long straights and tight chicanes will test his tyre management skills, an area he refined during his stint as a reserve driver. A strong showing could further cement his role as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the next season.
New contract and what lies ahead
On the morning of the Grand Prix, the team released a statement confirming the extension. Isack Hadjar expressed his enthusiasm: “I am really excited to continue with Oracle Red Bull Racing. From the moment I signed, I have devoted myself to the team, learning from the engineers and pushing my limits daily.” He also highlighted the privilege of working alongside four-time World Champion Max Verstappen.
Mekies added that the decision was “easy” given Hadjar’s rapid integration, technical curiosity, and on-track composure. The contract runs through the 2027 season, aligning with Red Bull’s strategic plan to blend experienced championship contenders with emerging talent. Both driver and management view the deal as a mutual commitment to develop the car, chase victories, and fight for titles in the coming years.
As the F1 paddock prepares for another weekend of high-speed drama, all eyes will be on Hadjar’s return to competitive racing. His ability to translate the lessons learned from a challenging rookie year into consistent points finishes will be key to Red Bull’s championship aspirations and to his own standing among the sport’s next generation of stars.
