On Tuesday, Isack Hadjar made his first strides for Red Bull. The young Parisian is set to be promoted to the main team next year, taking over Yuki Tsunoda‘s seat. To get accustomed to his new environment, he participated in the post-season tests at the Yas Marina Circuit. Hadjar was part of a special Pirelli tyre test and already drove with the new compounds for 2026. “I already feel comfortable here,” he commented afterwards.
Two days after the final race in Abu Dhabi, many drivers were already back on the circuit. During the traditional post-season tests, several rookies were in action, while the established order tested the Pirelli tyres for 2026. Some teams – including constructors’ champion McLaren – divided the test time between two drivers, but at Red Bull, only the newly acquired talent Isack Hadjar was in action. Max Verstappen did not participate in the tests.
The new teammate of the Dutchman drove 111 laps on behalf of Red Bull and enjoyed his debut, he said. “It was great to drive my first laps as a Red Bull driver,” he stated in a press release. “It’s nice to know that when I return in January, I’ve already met many team members.” Hadjar was also warmly welcomed. “I already feel comfortable with this group,” he continued. “Of course, this is a very different car than the one I will be testing in Barcelona next year, but it was good to get to know the tyres.”
At the end of January, Hadjar will be back in action during private tests at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The 21-year-old driver made a strong impression with his debut season at Racing Bulls. During the Dutch GP at Zandvoort, he even finished on the podium on behalf of the sister team. Next year he will replace Yuki Tsunoda; the Japanese driver will take on a role as a test and reserve driver. Hadjar’s seat at Racing Bulls will go to Formula 2 talent Arvid Lindblad.
