Isack Hadjar Eyes Early Red Bull Test Ahead of F1 2026 Season

Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar has expressed interest in testing the Red Bull Formula 1 car earlier than expected, ahead of what many anticipate will be his promotion to the team for the 2026 season. The 21-year-old is currently making waves in the 2025 championship, sitting in ninth place after securing a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Hadjar’s Impressive 2025 Season

Hadjar’s performance this season has significantly outshined his competitors, including team-mate Liam Lawson and struggling Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda. With a standout podium in Zandvoort, Hadjar has demonstrated his potential, often outpacing both Lawson and Tsunoda, who currently ranks 17th and faces uncertainty about his F1 future.

A Change of Heart

Earlier this year, Hadjar was hesitant about making the jump to F1 in 2025, stating he didn’t feel “ready” for the challenge. However, with the United States Grand Prix looming, Hadjar now appears to be reconsidering his stance. When asked about the opportunity to compete in the final three races of the season, he responded positively, noting, “Yeah, definitely. I think that would be… interesting.” He admits the new car regulations for 2026 make such testing a double-edged sword, as it could be both beneficial and somewhat pointless.

Learning Curve

When prompted about learning from his new engineers during the potential test, Hadjar acknowledged the value of the experience, stating, “It definitely helps. That’s interesting. It’s a good idea.” This willingness to adapt and learn could be crucial as he prepares for his expected role alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

Red Bull’s Lineup Decisions

Red Bull has indicated that it plans to announce its driver line-ups for both teams by the Mexico Grand Prix, scheduled for late October. However, Hadjar downplayed the impact of that timeline on his focus, insisting, “It doesn’t change my approach at all.” His commitment to performance remains paramount as he aims to make the most of his racing opportunities.

Lawson in a Similar Position

Liam Lawson, currently on the fringes of the competition, finds himself in a similar situation. As the future of F2’s Arvid Lindblad looms, Lawson understands the pressures associated with being at Racing Bulls. Having already faced scrutiny since his debut as a substitute for Daniel Ricciardo, he is accustomed to the high stakes and performance-based environment of F1.

A Pressure-Filled Environment

“It’s my entire career in Formula 1 so far,” Lawson remarked. He emphasized the demanding nature of the sport and credited the junior programme for preparing them for such pressure. As the 23-year-old navigates his first full season in F1 and battles for his own future, the sentiments echo Hadjar’s resolve to deliver results on the track amidst uncertainty.

Conclusion

As the 2025 season unfolds, Isack Hadjar’s aspirations for an early Red Bull test signal his readiness for the challenges ahead. With changing dynamics within the team, all eyes will be on the upcoming races as both Hadjar and Lawson seek to solidify their positions in a rapidly evolving Formula 1 landscape.