Isack Hadjar explains bizarre dismissal of signing for Red Bull

Isack Hadjar has insisted signing for Red Bull is not an "achievement", instead arguing he must perform at the six-time F1 constructors' champions to have accomplished anything.

The Frenchman was promoted to the Milton Keynes-based squad from Racing Bulls for the 2026 F1 season after an impressive debut campaign.

Whilst it was those performances, including a maiden podium at the Dutch Grand Prix, which were the bedrock for what is a big step so early in his F1 career, Hadjar is adamant that putting pen to paper on his Red Bull deal is nothing to be proud of.

The move to the "main team", as he calls it, is nonetheless a significant milestone — and a hurdle many who have come before him have fallen at, including Liam Lawson, whom he spent most of 2025 alongside at Racing Bulls, and Yuki Tsunoda, who started the year as his team-mate.

But when asked whether he viewed his promotion as an accomplishment or just another step in his journey, the 21-year-old rejected the former.

"Unfortunately, signing a contract is not what I consider an achievement," Hadjar told select media, including RacingNews365.

"An achievement would be living up to the expectations at Red Bull, doing the job. This would be an accomplishment."

An 'awesome moment' for the Hadjar family

That is not to say that his path to Red Bull, which has seen Hadjar ascend the team's junior programme, has not been a "very long, very difficult" experience.

The one-time podium finisher admitted that it can, at times, still feel surreal, even if that feeling merely punctuates a more matter-of-fact equilibrium.

And despite not viewing joining Red Bull as an achievement, it is still something Hadjar and his family can enjoy.

"Not only last year, but just the journey in general was very long, very difficult," he explained. "And I've always had this target in mind of being in the main team and being team-mates with the best driver in the world.

"I have moments where it feels surreal, and some moments where it feels very normal, because it's the only thing I do, right? I drive.

"But it's an awesome moment, not just for me, but also for my parents. It's great."