Isack Hadjar’s Red Bull Era Begins: A Sneak Peek At Frenchman's First Laps Logged In 2026 RB Machinery

Last Updated:December 09, 2025, 12:54 IST

Isack Hadjar debuts as a Red Bull Racing driver in Abu Dhabi post-season testing after a standout rookie year, replacing Yuki Tsunoda who shifts to reserve driver for 2026.

Isack Hadjar for Red Bull Racing (X)

Isack Hadjar was all smiles on Tuesday as the newly promoted Frenchman officially kicked off his Red Bull Racing career during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

The 21-year-old took the RB mule car out for a spin — his first official run as a Red Bull senior team driver. The mule chassis was fitted with 2026-spec load adaptations, allowing Pirelli to gather early data for next year’s tyres.

Hadjar isn’t exactly new to the Red Bull garage. He previously made three FP1 appearances across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. But this outing marked his first as a fully fledged Red Bull Racing driver, having earned his promotion from VCARB after a breakout rookie season.

The Frenchman impressed throughout the year, but his campaign hit its high point at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he landed his maiden Formula 1 podium — sharing the top three with future teammate Max Verstappen.

With Yuki Tsunoda struggling to find form, rumours swirled that Red Bull were ready to shake up their 2026 lineup. Hadjar, long viewed as next in line in the Red Bull junior conveyor belt, naturally became the favourite.

Ahead of the Abu Dhabi finale, the team made it official: Hadjar will race in Red Bull colours next season.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, won’t disappear entirely. While he loses his race seat, he stays within the Red Bull family as reserve driver for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls in 2026.

A new chapter begins — and Hadjar already looks right at home.

News sports formula-one Isack Hadjar’s Red Bull Era Begins: A Sneak Peek At Frenchman's First Laps Logged In 2026 RB Machinery

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