Isack Hadjar believes a successful switch to Red Bull in 2026 could be aided by the new technical regulations set to be introduced.
The F1 cars will undergo a major change next year, with a significant shift to both the chassis and the power units.
Hadjar is currently competing in his rookie F1 campaign and has impressed during the opening phase of his career, scoring 21 points in 10 rounds.
The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Red Bull next year amid Yuki Tsunoda's struggles in the seat alongside Max Verstappen. Tsunoda stepped up early on in the campaign after Liam Lawson failed to extract pace from the car.
It was put to Hadjar that former Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost theorised a driver was ready for a top drive after three years in F1.
Offering his view on the assessment, Hadjar told media, including RacingNews365: “There are drivers, after 10 years, they keep learning and developing.
“So I think it's a fair comment. You can obviously do well in a top team with less time. But I think three years, it does make sense.”
However, Hadjar has hinted that he would not pass up the opportunity to step into the Red Bull seat as he sees the new regulations as an opportunity to start afresh.
“There's also the change of regulations, so it kind of starts from scratch," Hadjar told RacingNews365.
"That kind of makes it easier as well.
"As a driver, I'd love to have a fast car straight away. Look at Lewis [Hamilton], he started with McLaren and he did well.
“He didn't need three years, but after three years he was obviously better."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they dissect a controversial Canadian Grand Prix. Red Bull's rejected protest against George Russell's victory and the shock intra-team crash between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are main talking points.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!