Young Frenchman Isack Hadjar had a superb first season in F1 and convinced Red Bull to promote him alongside Max Verstappen in 2026.
At the end of 2025, there was 2 big news in the world of Formula 1. Lando Norris was crowned world champion after a very suspenseful exercise and then, a little Frenchman made a name for himself, a little more than in recent months.
Aged 21, Isack Hadjar managed to convince Red Bull to promote him in 2026. The Parisian will be the teammate of Max Versatppen, the quadruple world champion who has just left his crown to Norris.
10 times in the points for the French rookie
After just one season of F1, Hadjar will evolve with a top team, known throughout the world, as its prestigious partner.
“It’s super exciting. I tell myself that at 21 years old, to have the chance to be alongside the best driver in the world… This is what I have always wanted in my career: to confront the best, to learn alongside them and to see what the best level is. So, sure, it’s scary, but it’s super exciting”recognized the Frenchman in The Teamearly December.
With his performances, the man we nicknamed “little Prost” dazzled the F1 planet. On his Racing Bulls, the rookie scored 10 points and quickly learned on the circuit in 23 GPs. On August 31, at the Dutch Grand Prix, he hit hard, very very hard, taking 3rd place. He thus became the 5th youngest driver – and the youngest Frenchman – to reach a podium, at 20 years and 11 months. Splendid 4th in qualifying, Hadjar combined speed and defensive skills to beat Charles Leclerc and George Russell.
A podium at 20 years and 11 months and blunders
At Monza the following week, the gifted rider managed to finish in 10th place after starting from the pits due to a penalty for an illegal engine change and a failed qualifying, which is rare. In China, he finished 8th in his 3rd race after a magnificent 7th position in qualifying. At Suzuka, he notably overtook Carlos Sainz in a nice way. A very young prodigy, Hadjar is obviously not doing everything well, yet. Two blunders, in the rain, went through his season. During his big debut, the Frenchie made a mistake at the start of the training tour in Australia. And in July, he crashed into Kimi Antonelli at Silverstone and ended up in the gravel trap.
