Red Bull explain key reasons for new Isack Hadjar contract

Red Bull has confirmed Isack Hadjar will remain with the team for the 2027 F1 season, with Laurent Mekies citing his rapid adaptation, relentless work ethic and composure under pressure as the driving forces behind the decision.

The announcement, timed to coincide with Hadjar's return to action at this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix after three races on the sidelines with a fractured wrist, locks in Red Bull's driver line-up alongside Max Verstappen for next year.

The Red Bull team principal was unequivocal in his praise for the 21-year-old Frenchman.

"We're very excited to continue our journey with Isack," Mekies said upon confirmation of the news.

"Since joining us at the start of the year, he has been superb on and off track, especially considering this is only his second Formula 1 season, which made extending his contract an easy decision.

"From the very beginning, Isack immersed himself in the Team, spending every minute at the factory with his engineers to develop the car, always eager to learn and improve."

Performances worthy of reward

Hadjar has delivered strong results in the 11 rounds he has contested so far this season, scoring 71 points and sitting eighth in the drivers' championship, with a run of six consecutive points finishes from Canada through to Hungary before injury struck.

The highlight came at Monaco, where he was promoted to third after Pierre Gasly's pit-lane speeding penalties were reinstated following a protracted FIA Court of Appeal process. That podium was formally confirmed on 4 September, nearly three months after the race.

A wrist fracture sustained in training over the summer break then forced Hadjar out of the Dutch, Italian and Spanish Grands Prix, with Liam Lawson stepping up from Racing Bulls as his replacement.

Despite the setback, Red Bull's faith has not wavered. Mekies pointed to Hadjar's debut weekend in Melbourne as the moment the team knew it had made the right call.

"You could see from that first weekend in Melbourne that he handled the step up with remarkable composure and had earned his place in this seat," Mekies added.

"The period since his injury has been a difficult one for Isack, but this extension is a testament to how much we believe in him, and we can't wait to see him back out on track.

"We still have a lot we want to achieve this season, but it's a great feeling to know that the drivers, engineers and everyone back at the factory are all heading in the same direction, committed and together."

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