Breaking:Max Verstappen team-mate plans unveiled as F1 star’s sec…read more
Max Verstappen team-mate plans unveiled as F1 star’s sec…read more
Red Bull Racing have begun to lift the curtain on their long-term driver strategy, with team principal Laurent Mekies offering fresh insight into how the Milton Keynes outfit could shape its Formula 1 line-up well into the next decade. Central to those plans is the promotion of young French driver Isack Hadjar, who is set to partner reigning world champion Max Verstappen from the 2026 season.
Hadjar’s rise through the Red Bull system has been rapid. After delivering an impressive rookie campaign with sister outfit Racing Bulls, the highly rated prospect has earned the call-up to the senior team. His promotion comes at a time when Red Bull are clearly reassessing their approach to the second seat alongside Verstappen, a position that has become something of a revolving door over the past year.
In the space of just 12 months, three different drivers will have occupied that coveted seat. Liam Lawson was given his chance but lost his place after only two race weekends, while Yuki Tsunoda lasted 22 Grands Prix before being moved aside. Hadjar will now become the latest driver tasked with the difficult challenge of matching up to Verstappen, who continues to be the undisputed focal point of Red Bull’s F1 project.
Until now, there has been significant uncertainty surrounding how long Hadjar might remain in that role. Red Bull’s history of swift driver changes has naturally raised questions about whether the young Frenchman would be given enough time to develop. However, Mekies’ recent comments suggest the team may be looking to offer more stability than in the recent past.
According to the Red Bull boss, the team is already thinking far ahead, with potential line-up scenarios being discussed as far forward as 2028. While no firm commitments have been publicly confirmed, the indication is that Hadjar is not being viewed as a short-term stopgap. Instead, Red Bull appear to see him as a key part of their medium- to long-term vision, particularly as Formula 1 enters a new regulatory era in 2026.
That year will mark a major turning point for the sport, with sweeping changes to chassis regulations and the introduction of Red Bull Powertrains’ own engines, developed in partnership with Ford. In that context, continuity and driver development could prove crucial, and Mekies has hinted that building a stable driver pairing may be a priority rather than constant rotation.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s presence remains the cornerstone of Red Bull’s plans. The Dutchman, who has dominated the sport in recent seasons, is widely expected to continue leading the team through the regulation changes. Reports of a “secret pact” surrounding Verstappen’s future have added intrigue, with speculation that long-term assurances have been made to keep him committed as Red Bull embark on this ambitious new chapter.
For Hadjar, the opportunity is enormous but the pressure will be equally intense. Partnering Verstappen is widely regarded as one of the toughest jobs in Formula 1, given the champion’s speed, consistency, and influence within the team. Success will not necessarily be measured by victories alone, but by Hadjar’s ability to contribute points, support Red Bull’s championship ambitions, and grow steadily without being overwhelmed.
As Red Bull look toward 2026 and beyond, Mekies’ comments suggest a shift toward a more deliberate and forward-thinking driver strategy. Whether Hadjar can break the recent trend and secure his place beyond a single season remains to be seen, but for now, Red Bull’s plans indicate that he is more than just another short-term experiment alongside Max Verstappen.
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