Isack Hadjar delivers 'makes sense' verdict on key Red Bull decision

Isack Hadjar feels the call to promote him to Red Bull "makes sense", but refuted the suggestion that it was solely due to his driving style.

The Frenchman is considered the driver in the team's stable who is the most similar to Max Verstappen, but he insists they both have "unique" approaches.

There will be considerable focus on the performance of the one-time podium finisher alongside the Dutchman in 2026, with a host of former team-mates all struggling to make the grade in the second Red Bull seat.

When it was put to Hadjar that we would need to find a way to compete in a car that has historically been difficult to get results from, he rejected the claim, arguing that the regulations reset will wipe the slate clean.

"Well, it's not true. It’s not the same car at all next year," the 21-year-old said to media, including RacingNews365.

"So that’s it. We're going to get the car we have. The team is going to build this car. I have to adapt to that car, and Max will have to do the same job.

"If the car goes in one direction, at least I'll be there to feel the change. And ideally, I contribute to that change. So, that would be the ideal scenario.

"And I've never repeated every year. I've always competed in different cars, so I don't know what it's like doing twice the same thing, the same job. So I think I'm pretty decent at adapting, so I'm actually confident."

Red Bull made the decision on its driver line-ups late in the campaign, with Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson securing the Racing Bulls seats to the demise of Yuki Tsunoda.

Hadjar explained that for the six-time constructors' champion to make the call to promote him, which comes at a "very ideal" time with the rules changes, it will be because it "makes sense" to do so.

"I can't tell you, but let's say I found out very late. Let's say, Qatar race week," he replied when asked when he found out he would partner Verstappen next year. "And, I mean, if that’s the line-up for next year, then I think they chose it because it makes sense."

However, Hadjar was quick to dismiss the idea that it was down to similarities in driving style, instead contending that it was more closely linked to mentality.

"And, of course, because it's a new regulation, so the timing is just very ideal for me," he said. "And then in terms of styles, I think obviously Max is very unique – he has a very unique style – and I would say myself as well.

"So I'm not obviously trying to copy what he's doing. But in terms of mindset, we have some things in common. But yeah, that's it."