Red Bull Locks In Hadjar for 2027 Amid Verstappen’s Long-Term Stay

Key points

• Red Bull Racing has retained Isack Hadjar for the 2027 season, keeping him as Max Verstappen’s teammate.
• Hadjar, 21, was promoted from Racing Bulls in 2026 and has achieved a podium finish in Monaco.
• Team principal Laurent Mekies praised Hadjar’s composure and work ethic, calling the contract extension an 'easy decision.'
• Hadjar missed three races due to a wrist injury sustained during boxing training but remains eighth in the standings.
• Verstappen recently signed a contract extension through 2030, ensuring stability for the team’s core lineup.

Background

Red Bull Racing has been consolidating its driver lineup for the 2027 season, following Max Verstappen’s recent contract extension through 2030, which ended speculation about a potential move to McLaren. The team has emphasized long-term stability and internal development, with Hadjar’s promotion from Racing Bulls in 2026 marking a key step in their succession plan. The 2026 season has seen Red Bull struggle with car performance, but Hadjar’s consistent top-six finishes and podium in Monaco have highlighted his potential. The team’s focus on retaining young talent aligns with broader F1 trends of securing drivers early to bridge transitions in technical regulations.

How outlets are covering it

Motorsport.com and BBC both highlight Hadjar’s strong performance and Mekies’s confidence in his abilities, emphasizing his composure and development. The Race focuses on the broader context of Red Bull’s driver strategy, noting the stability provided by Verstappen’s long-term deal. All sources agree on the significance of Hadjar’s extension, but BBC provides additional detail on his qualifying performance, noting he out-qualified Verstappen in three races due to external factors. Motorsport.com and The Race emphasize the team’s commitment to Hadjar despite his injury, while BBC underscores the competitive gap between him and Verstappen, which has narrowed compared to previous seasons.

Why it matters

The extension of Isack Hadjar’s contract signals Red Bull’s confidence in its young talent and its strategy for the 2027 season. With Verstappen locked in through 2030, Red Bull is positioning itself for long-term competitiveness, particularly as the sport transitions to new technical regulations. Hadjar’s retention also highlights the team’s focus on developing drivers internally, reducing reliance on external signings. This move may influence other teams’ strategies, as they seek to secure their own young talent amid a tightening driver market.

What to watch

Red Bull Racing is expected to finalize its Racing Bulls lineup for 2027, with Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad as potential candidates. Hadjar’s return to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will test his recovery from his wrist injury and his readiness for the 2027 season. The team will also focus on addressing the performance gap between Verstappen and Hadjar, aiming to provide a more competitive car for the next season. Additionally, the FIA’s approval of shorter races for 2027 may impact team strategies and driver development plans.