‘We don’t see it as a landing point’ – Mekies sets out expectations for Hadjar at Red Bull in 2026

Laurent Mekies has shared an insight into Red Bull’s expectations for Isack Hadjar as the French driver prepares to make the step up from Racing Bulls to partner Max Verstappen at the squad in 2026.

After a tricky start to his rookie campaign in F1 – in which he spun out on the rain-affected formation lap of the Australian Grand Prix – Hadjar quickly bounced back and went on to score several points finishes throughout the year, including a maiden podium at Zandvoort.

It was later confirmed days before the Abu Dhabi season finale that the 21-year-old will replace Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull in 2026 as he enters into his sophomore season, while the Japanese driver is set to become a test and reserve driver for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls.

Reflecting back on how Hadjar performed in 2025, Mekies explained: “Isack has had an unbelievable first season. There is no doubt that in terms of starting point – so where he started in January – the starting point was outstanding.

“Then we are strong believers not only in the raw talent, but also the ability of the drivers to develop. We have seen so many champions developing through the years, doing things that they had not done in the car a few races before.

“We've seen that with Isack this year too. We’ve seen him making stuff in the car that he was not doing three races before.”

In terms of what his expectations are for Hadjar next season, the Red Bull Team Principal continued: “To answer your question, we expect – we would like him to continue onto that path. We don't see it as a landing point.

“We see it as another start for him to continue to develop, to continue to impress us, to continue to surprise us. And you will expect that in the second year. You will expect that in the third year, perhaps in the fourth year. So that's a little bit the journey for us together.”