Isack Hadjar reveals 'way easier' moment for Red Bull promotion

Isack Hadjar has claimed it will be "way easier" to step up to Red Bull next season, as it will be the advent of a new F1 regulations cycle.

The Racing Bulls driver is considered the favourite to partner Max Verstappen at the Milton Keynes-based team in 2026, given his strong rookie campaign.

Not only has the Frenchman avoided being eliminated from qualifying in Q1 across the opening 15 rounds of the year, but he has amassed 37 points, including a maiden podium at Zandvoort last time out.

Yuki Tsunoda has struggled considerably - like those who came before him, including Liam Lawson - in the second Red Bull seat, which has been the foundation for speculation that Hadjar could be promoted before the end of the season.

However, the 20-year-old cannot see the virtue in a late driver change, instead pinpointing a far better time to make the switch.

"At the start of the year, [people] were asking me if I was feeling ready to jump in the Red Bull this year, and the answer is still 'no', because I don't see the point of doing that right now," he told media, including RacingNews365.

"But '26 is a different question, because it's a brand new start for the team. There won't be this talk of the second car, this wouldn't be a thing, because it's a brand new car for everyone.

"So you will be in a phase where you need to direct the car in the right direction. So, no, I think this is actually interesting."

When it was further queried if the reset in rules makes it easier to make the step to Red Bull, he promptly replied: "Way easier."

Hadjar nails his colours to the Red Bull mast

Realistically, there are three viable options open to Red Bull for its troubled second seat next year: Keep Yuki Tsunoda in the drive; re-promote Lawson; or elevate Hadjar.

However, that is not something the latter driver is concerned with too much as the season slowly nears its end.

"It's obviously something I have in mind," he explained. There are nine races left to prove I can keep doing a very good job."

But when asked by RacingNews365 if he had engaged in conversations with Helmut Marko and Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies about 2026, he confirmed he had not. "Me, personally, I haven't... but to be honest, I'm not in a rush," he said.

Hadjar was nonetheless clear that he does not have any reservations about making the step up, if called upon.

"No, I want to drive for the best team," the one-time podium finisher stated. "That's all I want, really."