Red Bull Racing has officially confirmed that Isack Hadjar will stay alongside four‑time world champion Max Verstappen as the team's second driver for the 2027 Formula One season. Hadjar, who was promoted to the Red Bull stable at the beginning of the current year after a standout debut with Racing Bulls in 2025, missed the final three rounds of the championship because of a wrist injury sustained during a summer training session.
The 21‑year‑old is now cleared to race and will line up for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, an event broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. The announcement comes on the heels of Red Bull's earlier declaration that Verstappen has extended his contract to remain with the team until at least the end of 2030.
Team principal Laurent Mekies praised Hadjar's rapid integration and performance, stating, "From day one Isack threw himself into the project, spending countless hours in the factory with his engineers, absorbing data and offering feedback. His composure in Melbourne showed he could handle the step up to a top‑tier car with remarkable poise, making the decision to extend his deal an easy one." 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. Hadjar, however, has already demonstrated that he can compete closely with the Dutch driver, even out‑qualifying him on several occasions this season. That competitive edge has insulated his position from the usual scrutiny that follows any Red Bull teammate. Despite his injury‑forced absence, Hadjar remains eighth in the Drivers' Championship and reclaimed a podium finish at Monaco after Red Bull and McLaren successfully appealed the reversal of Pierre Gasly's penalty for exceeding the speed limit in the pit lane.
Mekies added, "The weeks following his injury were challenging for Isack, but the contract extension reflects our confidence in his talent and determination. We are eager to see him back at full speed and contributing to the team's objectives." Sky Sports F1 commentator Craig Slater noted, "Hadjar missed three rounds after a heavy‑bag accident during his boxing‑based fitness routine, but he has recovered and will be back in the car this weekend.
Liam Lawson filled in admirably, yet no one was surprised when Red Bull confirmed Hadjar's continuation. He's arguably Verstappen's most competitive teammate since Daniel Ricciardo's departure." Hadjar himself expressed enthusiasm about staying with Oracle Red Bull Racing, saying, "Joining the team eight months ago, I instantly grasped the scale and ambition of the operation.
The talent pool here is extraordinary, and driving alongside a four‑time champion is a privilege. From day one I have been committed to earning the trust placed in me, and with the support of Laurent and the entire Milton Keynes staff, I aim to keep justifying that faith every single day." When asked about the contract negotiations during the drivers' press conference in Baku, Hadjar admitted he was largely hands‑off, allowing his management to handle the details. "I focus on the track, not the paperwork.
If you perform well, the team rewards you – it's that simple," he said, adding that he was unaware of the exact length of the new deal. Regarding his wrist injury, Hadjar explained that he suffered a minor fracture outside the wrist during a routine boxing workout. "There was no surgery required, just natural healing. It will remain sore for a while, but after six weeks the bone is strong enough to withstand the forces in the car.
I tested the simulator and it felt almost identical to the cockpit, so I feel confident heading back onto the track," he noted. He also mentioned that the rehabilitation process limited his ability to train his left arm, making the recent weeks feel monotonous. Hadjar confirmed that Red Bull has not imposed any new restrictions on his training regimen, though he acknowledged he will be more cautious in the future: "Next time I'll think twice before throwing a heavy bag.
No formal limits, just a personal reminder to protect my body." The broader driver market for 2027 is beginning to solidify. Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull have all locked in their line‑ups, while Alpine, Williams and Cadillac have confirmed contracts for their current drivers.
Audi will retain Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg. The remaining teams—Racing Bulls, Haas and Aston Martin—still have decisions to make. Aston Martin's seat could open if Fernando Alonso decides to retire, a move that would create a high‑profile vacancy.
Alonso has hinted that a decision is not imminent, expressing dissatisfaction with the current regulations and the ongoing engine supply situation with Honda. At Haas, British youngster Oliver Bearman is expected to stay, but his teammate Esteban Ocon may be replaced by Ferrari junior Rafael Câmara, who impressed in Formula 2 and is slated for an F1 debut in 2027. Red Bull's own junior program continues to produce talent, with Nikola Tsolov leading the F2 championship and likely to receive an opportunity soon. However, Red Bull faces a delicate choice: both Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson have delivered strong performances for Racing Bulls this year, and dropping either would be a tough decision.
The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend schedule is packed with action: practice sessions for both F2 and F1, qualifying rounds, and the main race on Saturday, all streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. Fans are encouraged to use a Chrome browser for the best video player experience. Overall, Hadjar's contract extension underscores Red Bull's commitment to nurturing young talent and maintaining a stable driver pairing that can challenge for championships year after year.
With the 2027 season on the horizon, the team looks forward to building on its recent successes and continuing its dominance in the sport.