Red Bull Racing has officially confirmed that Isack Hadjar will stay alongside four‑time champion Max Verstappen for the 2027 Formula 1 campaign. The French driver, who joined the team at the beginning of the current season after a standout debut with Racing Bulls in 2025, missed the last three Grand Prix due to a wrist injury sustained during a summer‑break training session. He is now cleared to race and will return to the grid at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
The announcement comes on the heels of Red Bull's earlier declaration that Verstappen has signed a fresh contract extending his stay with the team until at least the end of 2030. Team principal Laurent Mekies praised Hadjar, saying, "From day one, Isack has been exemplary both on and off the track.
Considering this is only his second year in Formula 1, extending his contract was an easy decision." Mekies highlighted the young driver's dedication to the technical side of the sport, noting how Hadjar spent countless hours in the Milton Keynes factory collaborating with engineers to fine‑tune the car. "His composure in Melbourne showed he could handle the step up with remarkable poise, earning his place in the seat," Mekies added. The second seat at Red Bull is widely regarded as the most demanding on the grid. Former teammates such as Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have all struggled to match Verstappen's pace.
Hadjar, however, has consistently been closer to the Dutchman than most, even out‑qualifying him on several occasions this year, which has helped shield his position from criticism. Despite the injury‑related absence, Hadjar remains eighth in the Drivers' Championship and reclaimed a podium finish at Monaco after Red Bull and McLaren successfully appealed a penalty imposed on Gasly. Mekies remarked, "The period since his injury has been tough for Isack, but this extension shows how much faith we have in his talent. We are eager to see him back at full speed." He also emphasized the unity within the team, stating that drivers, engineers and factory staff are all aligned toward common goals for the remainder of the season.
Sky Sports F1 analyst Craig Slater explained the circumstances of Hadjar's injury: "He hurt his wrist while hitting a heavy bag during his boxing training. He has recovered and will be back this weekend, securing his role as Verstappen's teammate for 2027. Liam Lawson performed admirably in his place, but no one was surprised that Hadjar retained the seat.
He has been Verstappen's most competitive teammate since Daniel Ricciardo's departure." Hadjar himself expressed enthusiasm about the new deal: "I am thrilled to continue with Oracle Red Bull Racing. From the moment I arrived eight months ago, I understood the scale and ambition of this organisation. The talent here is extraordinary, and driving alongside a four‑time world champion is a privilege. Since signing, I have devoted myself to the team, and with the support of Laurent and everyone in Milton Keynes, I have been able to justify the confidence placed in me.
Every day I strive to listen, learn and push my limits further." When questioned at the drivers' press conference in Baku, Hadjar said he had been completely relaxed about contract talks and admitted he was unaware of the exact length of the agreement. "I let my people handle the negotiations.
I focus on the track, and that's it. It was very easy," he said, adding with a smile, "If you're good, you stay." He also gave an update on his wrist injury, describing it as a small fracture that required no surgery but a lengthy natural healing process. "It will be painful for a while, but after six weeks it is strong enough to handle the stresses of racing.
The simulator tests went well, and the car feels almost identical to the real cockpit, so I am confident I can perform at full capacity," Hadjar explained. He noted that training sessions have been dull without the use of his left arm, but he is eager to return to full fitness. The injury occurred during a routine boxing workout, and while Red Bull has not imposed new restrictions on his training regimen, Hadjar admitted he will be more cautious in the future.
"Next time I will think twice, maybe strap myself, but there are no bans. I'm not a child; I just need to be careful," he said. Across the sport, the top four teams—Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull—have locked in their driver line‑ups for 2027. Alpine, Williams and Cadillac have also secured their drivers, while Audi will keep Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg together.
The remaining seats are still up for grabs at Racing Bulls, Haas and Aston Martin. Fernando Alonso remains a wild card; his potential retirement could open a seat at Aston Martin, though he has hinted that a decision will not come soon, citing dissatisfaction with current regulations. Meanwhile, Haas is expected to retain Oliver Bearman, but teammate Esteban Ocon may be replaced by Ferrari junior Rafael Camara for 2027 after an impressive Formula 2 campaign. Red Bull faces its own dilemma: both Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson have performed admirably this year, making a decision on who stays a delicate one.
History suggests the team favors promoting its junior talent early, as seen with the rise of Nikola Tsolov, the current F2 champion. The upcoming race weekend schedule includes multiple F2 sessions and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, all of which will be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. Fans can follow the action via Sky Sports F1, with the option to watch through NOW without a long‑term contract.