Formula One outfit Red Bull has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will retain his seat alongside Max Verstappen for the 2027 championship. The decision locks in the team's driver lineup well in advance, providing stability for the Milton Keynes-based squad through the coming years. Verstappen previously secured his own future with the organisation by signing an extension in August that keeps him contracted until the end of 2030.
Hadjar entered the senior Red Bull lineup this season following a promising debut campaign with sister team Racing Bulls. The 21-year-old French driver quickly adapted to the demands of the leading squad, showcasing impressive speed compared to his experienced teammate. Over the opening portion of the year, telemetry data showed Hadjar sitting within close proximity to Verstappen's qualifying pace, matching a competitive gap not seen alongside the Dutchman since Daniel Ricciardo raced for the team in 2018.
The highlight of Hadjar's campaign arrived in the Mediterranean principality where he secured a podium finish by claiming third place at the Monaco Grand Prix. Red Bull leadership praised the youngster's seamless transition into the top-tier environment following his graduation from the junior program. Team principal Laurent Mekies noted that keeping the driver for another year was a straightforward choice based on his performance both inside and outside the cockpit.
Mekies highlighted Hadjar's composure from his very first weekend in Melbourne, emphasizing that the sophomore driver had thoroughly earned his continued place in the garage. The team boss also acknowledged the challenging weeks Hadjar faced recently while recovering from a physical setback. The young Frenchman sustained a broken wrist during a boxing training session, an accident that sidelined him for three consecutive rounds of the world championship.
Hadjar is now set to make his competitive return at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix after completing his recovery. Reflecting on his contract renewal, the French driver expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to continue working alongside a four-time world champion. He pointed to the dedication within the factory and his ongoing commitment to learning and development as key drivers for his future success.
Statistics from the first half of the season underline Hadjar's competitive speed during his second year in the premier class. He managed to outpace Verstappen during qualifying sessions on three separate occasions, lining up ahead in Australia, Japan, and Britain. While those weekends included extenuating circumstances such as an engine issue and a qualifying crash for Verstappen, Hadjar's overall consistency has firmly established his potential at the highest level of motorsport.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
