Isack Hadjar outlines ideal timing for Red Bull call-up

Hadjar discusses the possibility of securing the 2026 Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen

Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar has discussed his readiness for a potential move up to Red Bull in 2026.

Earlier in the season, the rookie claimed that he was unsure if he was ready to step up to the seat alongside four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, should the opportunity have presented itself. But, after he clinched his first F1 podium at Zandvoort last weekend, the 20-year-old has become the favourite to take the coveted position in 2026.

"To be honest, at the start of the year, they [the media] were asking me if I was feeling ready to jump in the Red Bull this year. And the answer is still no, because I don't see the point of doing that right now," Hadjar explained when asked by Motorsport.com in the Italian GP media session if his feelings had changed.

"But '26 is a different question because it's a brand new start for the team. There won't be this talk of the second car thing. This wouldn't be a thing because it's a brand new car for everyone. You will be in a phase where you need to direct the car into the right direction. So no, I think this is actually interesting."

Although Hadjar doesn't see the point of moving to Red Bull at this stage in the season, he confirmed that it is on his mind.

"It's obviously something I have in mind. There's nine races left to prove I can keep doing a very good job," he added.

Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls

Photo by: Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images

Red Bull chose to replace Mexican driver Sergio Perez at the end of 2024 and signed Liam Lawson for 2025. But after just two race weekends in Australia and China, Lawson found himself demoted to Racing Bulls and replaced by Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda.

Since joining Red Bull, Tsunoda has scored nine of the team's 214 points, although it is worth noting that he was not on the same specification of car as Verstappen until Laurent Mekies took the role of team principal in July. Tsunoda's RB21 is now almost identical to the Dutchman's.

In comparison, Hadjar sits 10th in the drivers' standings with 37 points and has impressed throughout his rookie season. Despite this, Hadjar confirmed that he has not personally had any conversations with Helmut Marko or Mekies about a promotion yet.

"Me, personally, I haven't [had any conversations]," he confirmed. "Yeah [I do expect them to start soon], but to be honest, I'm not in a rush."