Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will continue as Max Verstappen’s teammate through the 2027 season, following the extension of his contract. This decision comes as Hadjar returns to racing at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury that sidelined him for three races.
Laurent Mekies, Red Bull’s team principal, described the choice to renew Hadjar’s contract as straightforward, highlighting the French driver’s natural speed, strong rookie season with Racing Bulls, and rapid adaptation to the senior team in 2026. Mekies emphasized that Hadjar’s ongoing development is a key part of Red Bull’s long-term plan, reflecting his progression within their junior programme.
Hadjar’s promotion to the senior Red Bull Racing team in 2026 followed a promising rookie year at Racing Bulls, where his performances earned him recognition within the paddock. Mekies expects Hadjar to continue improving technically and in maturity throughout the remainder of 2026 and into the next season. If this trajectory holds, Hadjar could narrow the performance gap to Verstappen, who remains the team’s lead driver.
Hadjar’s return at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix marked an important step after his wrist injury, which caused him to miss several races. Mekies’ comments suggest that the team is confident in Hadjar’s ability to regain momentum and continue his upward development. The contract extension through 2027 underlines Red Bull’s commitment to nurturing talent from within their driver programme.
While Mekies refrained from setting explicit performance targets, his assessment points to expectations of steady progress in Hadjar’s technical skills and racecraft. The focus remains on integrating Hadjar fully into the team environment and enhancing his consistency on track. This approach aligns with Red Bull’s broader strategy of building a strong driver lineup for the future.
Hadjar’s role alongside Verstappen in 2027 will be closely watched, as the team aims to maintain its competitive edge in the championship. Mekies’ remarks highlight the importance of continuous growth rather than immediate results, reflecting a measured approach to driver development within the high-pressure environment of Formula 1®.