Isack Hadjar, driving car #6 for Red Bull Racing in 2026, is a Franco-Algerian Formula 1 driver who earned his seat through dominant junior category performances, finishing runner-up in the 2024 Formula 2 championship and winning the 2023 Formula 3 title. Born in Paris on September 28, 2004, he earned promotion directly to Red Bull’s senior team and is one of the most exciting rookies on the grid.
Hadjar’s junior career demonstrated both raw speed and racecraft beyond his years. He won the 2023 Formula 3 championship before his strong F2 campaign, and his ability to perform on street circuits was particularly notable. Red Bull’s driver programme, which has produced Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, and Max Verstappen, saw in Hadjar the same combination of speed and determination that defines their most successful graduates.
For 2026, Hadjar steps into the seat alongside four-time champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, one of the toughest assignments in motorsport. He will be measured against the benchmark of the grid every weekend, and the expectation is that he will learn quickly while contributing to Red Bull’s development push under the new regulations. Red Bull’s faith in promoting him directly to the senior team speaks volumes about his potential.
Hadjar brings a distinctive aggression to his wheel-to-wheel racing that fans will enjoy, particularly on street circuits where his junior form was strongest. His mature approach off-track, including his technical feedback and ability to work with engineers, has been praised by Red Bull’s management throughout his development.
French fans following Hadjar can enjoy a strong European calendar with races starting at comfortable afternoon times in CET/CEST. The Monaco Grand Prix in June carries special significance given his French heritage and Parisian upbringing. Check France time for timezone conversions throughout the season.
At 21, Hadjar represents Red Bull’s long-term future beyond the Verstappen era. His 2026 season will reveal how quickly he can adapt to F1’s demands while racing alongside the sport’s most dominant current driver, making their intra-team battle one of the most watched storylines of the new regulation era.