Rising Star Isack Hadjar Sets Bold Win Target for 2026 Red Bull Debut

After being confirmed as the successor to Yuki Tsunoda, Isack Hadjar is entering the 2026 Formula 1 season with a mixture of childlike wonder and professional ruthlessness. At a high-profile livery launch in Detroit, the driver often referred to as "Le Petit Prost" expressed that while joining the "big team" feels surreal, he is not there merely to play a supporting role. Having already secured a maiden podium at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix during his rookie year, Hadjar believes the 2026 technical regulation overhaul provides the perfect "reset" for him to challenge for the top step of the podium and prove he can withstand the relentless pace of his legendary teammate.

A Dream Realized on the Big Stage

For Isack Hadjar, the promotion to the senior Red Bull squad represents the culmination of a lifelong journey within the energy drink giant's driver development program. Standing before the 2026 car in Detroit, the young Frenchman admitted that the reality of the move had not yet fully sunk in. He recalled childhood memories of watching Sebastian Vettel dominate the sport in the same navy-and-red colors, dreaming that one day he would be the one behind the wheel of a championship-contending machine.

Despite the emotional weight of the promotion, Hadjar has been quick to transition into a professional mindset, already spending significant time at the Milton Keynes factory. He noted that the transition has been aided by the "Red Bull family" culture, as he is already familiar with many of the engineers and mechanics he will be working with this season. This existing rapport is expected to shorten his learning curve as he prepares for the most demanding challenge of his career.

Aiming for the Top Step of the Podium

While many rookies would be content with consistent points finishes, Hadjar has set his sights significantly higher. "A race win would be good, at least," he stated during the team's launch event, signaling a level of confidence that has become his trademark. This ambition is backed by a solid track record; his third-place finish at Zandvoort last year proved that he possesses the raw speed and race-craft to compete with the established elite even in mid-field machinery.

The 2026 season marks the beginning of a new era for Formula 1, featuring radical changes to power unit regulations and aerodynamics. Hadjar views this as a strategic advantage, arguing that the "clean slate" for all teams reduces the experience gap between him and the veteran drivers. He believes that his ability to adapt quickly to new car characteristics will be his greatest weapon as the field navigates the unknown variables of the new engine formula.

Navigating the Shadow of Max Verstappen

Stepping into the second seat at Red Bull has historically been one of the most difficult tasks in sports, with several talented drivers failing to match the consistency of Max Verstappen. Hadjar is well aware of the "Verstappen effect" and the high turnover rate of his predecessors. However, he remains unfazed, insisting that his focus is on his own development and contributing to the team's technical direction rather than getting caught up in a direct psychological battle with his teammate.

Hadjar described the opportunity to work alongside Verstappen as an "awesome move," viewing the Dutchman as a mentor from whom he can learn the nuances of championship-level driving. Team Principal Laurent Mekies has praised Hadjar's maturity and his unique ability to remain calm under pressure—a trait that will be tested to the limit as he attempts to succeed where others have fallen by the wayside. The goal for Hadjar is to provide the team with a reliable second scoring option to secure the Constructors' Championship.

The Technical Reset of 2026

The 2026 season is not just a change of teams for Hadjar, but a change of era for the entire sport. Red Bull will be running its own power units in partnership with Ford, adding an extra layer of complexity to the Frenchman's debut. Hadjar has been heavily involved in the simulation work for the new 2026 power units, expressing confidence that the engine is performing well in its early stages of development despite the inherent risks of such a massive project.
Industry experts believe that the 2026 cars will require a different style of driving, with a greater emphasis on energy management and recovery systems. Hadjar’s aggressive but calculated style, which earned him the "Petit Prost" moniker, is thought to be well-suited to these new requirements. By being involved in the car's development from the ground up, Hadjar hopes to influence the RB22's characteristics to better suit his preferences, rather than simply adapting to a car designed for someone else.

Rising to the Challenge of Expectations

As the only Frenchman on a top-tier team, the expectations from his home country and the global Red Bull fan base are immense. The departure of long-serving advisor Helmut Marko and the transition to a new leadership structure under Laurent Mekies have created a new environment at Red Bull, one that Hadjar feels is perfectly timed for his arrival. He is determined to buck the trend of "failing" second drivers and establish himself as a long-term fixture in the team’s future.

With the first race in Melbourne fast approaching, the focus is now on the physical and mental preparation required for a 24-race calendar. Hadjar has ramped up his training regime to ensure he can handle the increased G-forces and endurance demands of the senior team's car. For the young Frenchman, the 2026 season is the ultimate audition—a chance to turn his "unreal" dream into a concrete legacy of victories and trophies at the pinnacle of racing.