The 2025 season marked a defining chapter in Isack Hadjar’s career, having been one of the most talked about rookie this season. He had a very rough start to the Formula One season when he DNFed on the formation lap of the very first race of the season. But, Hadjar did not let his mistake define him, instead he has proven that he is capable in an F1 car, showing a noticeable evolution in how he managed tires, defended positions, and capitalized on race opportunities.

Isack Hadjar’s 2025 season proved that he is ready for the next step. Part of what makes Hadjar so intriguing is his ability to perform under pressure, when competing within the Red Bull junior system is already unforgiving. Hadjar shows us what being assertive and not reckless looks like. His good pace and skill shows RedBull that he is ready for his next step...

Isack Hadjar has officially been selected to be the second driver for RedBull in the 2026 season. Though, this may seem like a promotion for Hadjar, many F1 fans joke that the promotion seems more like a demotion instead. In 2 years, RedBull has had 3 second drivers: Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda. The Red Bull car is often described as a car uniquely sculpted to fit Max Verstappen's style, so second drivers have to adapt and they're often left with intense pressure and expectations from the team, and face the risk of getting replaced if they don't meet expectations.

Though many people believe Hadjar has several factors working against him, the upcoming season may present a very different opportunity. Red Bull will look significantly changed next year, with longtime figures no longer in place. Adrian Newey, the former Chief Technical Officer, has moved to Aston Martin, while Christian Horner, the former Team Principal, was dismissed midway through the 2025 season. Helmut Marko, former head of Red Bull’s junior development program, who both supported Hadjar’s rise and placed immense pressure on him ,and is also no longer part of the team’s structure. Beyond leadership changes, the car itself will mark a new chapter, as Red Bull has ended its partnership with Honda and will instead begin a new era with Ford power units. 

At the same time, the absence of established pillars introduces uncertainty. Red Bull’s famed ability to produce dominant cars was never accidental, and replicating that success without familiar leadership will take time. For Hadjar, that means entering a team that may be evolving rather than dominating.

Isack Hadjar’s 2025 season proved that he is ready for the next step. His speed, resilience, and adaptability make him a natural fit for Formula One, and potentially for Red Bull. His timing is almost perfect, with entering RedBull during such a transitional time, he can adjust with the changes rather than having to reach their high standards with little training and little time.

Whether he becomes a future race winner or even more will depend on how this new Red Bull era unfolds. But one thing is clear: Isack Hadjar is no longer just a prospect, hes ready to surprise everyone next season.