Is a Racing Bulls Driver Ready to Be Promoted in 2026?
Formula 1 has clearly already begun the “Silly Season” without anyone knowing. According to the latest reports, rookie Isack Hadjar is set to be promoted from his current seat with Racing Bulls to the Red Bull Racing seat for the 2026 season. His place next to champion Max Verstappen is something even the most astute analysts cannot predict with certainty. Even with Hadjar currently sitting at ninth place in the Drivers’ Standings and his podium at the Dutch Grand Prix, does this mean he is ready?
Currently in the spot sits Yuki Tsunoda, who originally took it due to the demotion of Liam Lawson. It is said by fans alike that the second Red Bull seat is ‘cursed,’ as so many drivers have come and gone, attempting to match Verstappen’s pace. Hadjar has continued to rise and progress, leading him to earn the necessary preparation for the 2026 season. As it appears, the rookie Frenchman is a step closer, especially as the new collaboration with Ford approaches.
The 20-year-old has done so much already to merit this consideration for the spot. It seems difficult to see how Tsunoda could do anything to top what Hadjar has done. The only thing Tsunoda could do is truly earn podiums before the end of the season, but is that even a possibility? Hadjar may not be earning many podiums; however, with his 38 points, he has been doing well for a rookie.
Hadjar remarked about him taking the spot, saying, “To be honest, at the start of the year, they [the media] were asking me if I was feeling ready to jump in the Red Bull this year, and the answer is still no, because I don't see the point of doing that right now, but 2026 is a different question because it's a brand new start for the team. There won't be this talk of the second car thing. This wouldn't be a thing because it's a brand-new car for everyone. You will be in a phase where you need to direct the car in the right direction. I think this is actually interesting.” With this being said, hopefully, if or when he does take the spot next to Verstappen, he will be ready. Maybe Hadjar is the key to breaking the Red Bull seat curse.
