Red Bull Racing has officially confirmed that Isack Hadjar will stay alongside four‑time world champion Max Verstappen as his teammate for the 2027 Formula One campaign. The French driver, who was promoted to the senior team at the beginning of the current season after a standout rookie year with the junior Racing Bulls outfit in 2025, missed the final three rounds of the year due to a wrist injury sustained during a training session over the summer break. Now fully recovered, Hadjar returned to the grid for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, a race that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
The announcement comes just weeks after Red Bull revealed that Verstappen has signed a fresh contract extending his stay with the team until at least the close of 2030. Team principal Laurent Mekies praised Hadjar’s rapid integration, saying, "From day one Isack has thrown himself into the project, spending countless hours in the Milton Keynes factory working hand‑in‑hand with his engineers. His technical curiosity and calm under pressure have made extending his contract a straightforward decision for us." Mekies added that the young driver displayed remarkable composure during his debut weekend in Melbourne, quickly proving he belonged in the top tier of the sport. The second seat at Red Bull has long been viewed as the most demanding on the grid.
Former occupants such as Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have all found it difficult to match Verstappen’s pace, often being out‑qualified and out‑performed. Hadjar, however, has already shown he can compete closely with the Dutchman, even edging him on a few occasions this season, which has helped to quiet any lingering doubts about his suitability for the role.
Despite his three‑race absence, Hadjar remains eighth in the Drivers' Championship and reclaimed a podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix after Red Bull and McLaren successfully appealed a penalty that had originally stripped Pierre Gasly of his result. Mekies highlighted the resilience required to come back from injury, stating, "The period after his wrist problem was challenging, but this contract extension underlines the confidence we have in his talent and his future with the team." Sky Sports F1 analyst Craig Slater commented on the situation, noting, "Hadjar’s injury was caused by a heavy bag during his boxing training – a routine part of his fitness regime. He’s fully recovered and will line up next weekend.
In his absence, Liam Lawson performed admirably, but there was never any serious question about Hadjar getting the nod for 2027. He has arguably been Verstappen’s most competitive teammate since Daniel Ricciardo departed." Hadjar himself expressed enthusiasm about the new deal: "I’m thrilled to keep racing for Oracle Red Bull Racing. From the moment I joined eight months ago I understood the scale and ambition of this organisation. The talent in the factory is extraordinary, and driving alongside a four‑time champion like Max is a privilege.
Since signing, I’ve devoted myself to learning, listening and constantly pushing my limits. The support from Laurent and the whole team in Milton Keynes has allowed me to justify the faith they placed in me." When questioned at the drivers' press conference in Baku, Hadjar admitted he had taken a relaxed approach to the contract talks. "I didn’t even discuss it myself – I let my management handle it.
I focus on what I can control on the track, and the rest fell into place," he said. When asked whether the agreement covered multiple years, he replied with a shrug, "I’m not sure of the exact length, but if you perform you stay." He also gave an update on his wrist injury, describing it as a minor fracture that required no surgery.
"The healing process is slow and still a bit painful, but after six weeks the bone is strong enough to handle the stresses of racing. I’ve done simulator work and it feels almost identical to the real car, so I’m confident the transition back to the cockpit will be smooth. The training sessions have been dull because I couldn’t use my left arm much, but I’m eager to get back to full fitness." Hadjar clarified that the injury occurred during a routine boxing drill and that Red Bull has not imposed any new restrictions on his training regimen, although he promised to be more cautious in the future. "Next time I’ll think twice before throwing a heavy bag," he laughed, adding that he will simply strap his wrist if needed.
With Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren all confirming their driver line‑ups through 2027, the remaining teams are still shaping their rosters. Alpine, Williams and Cadillac have already secured contracts for their 2027 drivers, while Audi plans to retain Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg.
The open spots now belong to Racing Bulls, Haas and Aston Martin. Aston Martin’s future hinges on Fernando Alonso’s decision.
The two‑time champion has hinted that his retirement could open a seat, but he has also expressed dissatisfaction with the current regulations, prompting FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to comment on the need for a faster resolution to the team’s engine supply issues with Honda. At Haas, British youngster Oliver Bearman is expected to stay, but his teammate Esteban Ocon may lose his place as the team is rumored to give a debut to Ferrari junior Rafael Camara for 2027 after his impressive Formula 2 performances. Red Bull’s junior programme continues to produce talent, with Nikola Tsolov leading the F2 championship and likely to receive a promotion soon. However, the decision is complicated by the strong form of current Racing Bulls drivers Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson, making any cuts a delicate matter.
The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend will feature a packed schedule: Friday will host F2 practice, sprint and feature races, alongside the first F1 practice session. Saturday includes the second F2 race, the final F1 practice, and the Grand Prix itself, with qualifying slated for early afternoon. Sunday will see post‑race analysis and the traditional chequered‑flag reaction.
All sessions will be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event, and the race will also be available via NOW streaming without a long‑term contract. In summary, Isack Hadjar’s continuation with Red Bull through 2027 underscores the team’s confidence in his abilities and the stability of the sport’s top line‑ups heading into the next season.
His recovery from injury, early on‑track successes and evident chemistry with Verstappen suggest that the Frenchman is poised to become a mainstay in the championship battle for years to come.