Red Bull Locks in Hadjar for 2027 Alongside Verstappen

The concrete of the pit lane still holds the heat of the last session, but the future of the Red Bull garage is now fixed. Isack Hadjar will remain at the wheel alongside Max Verstappen for the 2027 Formula 1 season, a decision that cements the team’s driver lineup after a year of high-stakes competition. The announcement lands with the weight of confirmation, turning speculation into stone as the Frenchman prepares to return to action in Azerbaijan.

Hadjar’s path to the front seat was rapid. He stepped up from Racing Bulls in 2026, shedding the rookie tag to claim a place in a car that historically demands perfection. His speed has been undeniable, even against a backdrop of injury and missed races. Now, with contract extended, he enters his second full campaign with the backing of a team that sees long-term potential in his composure and pace.

Composure Defines the Step Up

Team principal Laurent Mekies highlights the driver’s immersion in the engineering process as the key to his retention. Since joining at the start of the year, Hadjar has spent every available minute at the factory, working closely with engineers to refine the car. This dedication was evident from the very first weekend in Melbourne, where he handled the pressure of the step-up with a calmness that belied his inexperience. For Mekies, the decision to extend was straightforward, driven by a performance that justified the faith placed in him.

Podiums Amidst Injury Setbacks

Despite missing three races at Zandvoort, Monza, and Madrid due to injury, Hadjar has maintained a strong grip on the standings. He currently sits eighth, a position bolstered by his first podium finish with Red Bull in Monaco. This achievement complements his maiden podium from the previous year and a streak of seven consecutive top-six finishes. These results stand out sharply, considering the car has often been the third or fourth quickest in the field, making each point earned a testament to the driver’s skill and consistency.

A Privilege at Milton Keynes

Hadjar speaks of the privilege of driving for such a talented team, particularly alongside a four-time world champion. The 21-year-old emphasizes his commitment to listening, learning, and pushing himself further every day. With support from the factory in Milton Keynes, he feels he has justified the trust placed in him. As he looks ahead, the excitement is palpable, driven by the desire to continue developing in an environment that values precision and progress.

While Red Bull’s core line-up is set, the sister team Racing Bulls remains in flux. Incumbents Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad have both impressed this season, keeping their spots under scrutiny. Junior driver Nikola Tsolov waits in the wings, adding another layer of uncertainty to the broader Red Bull driver grid. For now, the focus remains on Hadjar’s continued growth, a story that Motorsport.com will track as the season moves into its critical final stretch.