Red Bull has officially confirmed that Isack Hadjar will stay alongside Max Verstappen as his teammate for the 2027 Formula 1 campaign. The French driver joined the Oracle Red Bull Racing squad at the beginning of the current season after a standout rookie year with Racing Bulls in 2025.
Although a wrist injury forced him out of the last three rounds, the 21‑year‑old has recovered sufficiently to line up for 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 four‑time world champion Max Verstappen has extended his contract until at least the close of 2030. Team principal Laurent Mekies praised Hadjar’s impact, saying, "From day one, Isack has been exemplary both on‑track and off‑track.
Given that this is only his second season in Formula 1, extending his deal was a straightforward choice." Mekies added that Hadjar immersed himself in the factory environment, spending countless hours with his engineers to refine the car and demonstrating a maturity beyond his years. "His composure in Melbourne showed he could handle the step up with poise, earning his place in the seat," Mekies noted. The second seat at Red Bull is widely regarded as the most demanding on the grid.
Former occupants 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 Dutch driver than most of his predecessors and has even out‑performed him on a few occasions this season, keeping his position free from serious scrutiny.
Despite missing the final three events, 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 speeding penalties. Mekies emphasized that the injury period was challenging for the young driver, but the contract extension underscores the team’s confidence in his potential. "We have a lot to achieve this season, and it’s reassuring to know that drivers, engineers and factory staff are all aligned and committed," he said.
Sky Sports F1 analyst Craig Slater explained that Hadjar’s injury stemmed from a heavy‑bag workout during his boxing‑based training routine. "He’s recovered and will be back this weekend. Liam Lawson filled in admirably, but no one was surprised that Hadjar retained the seat. He’s arguably Verstappen’s toughest teammate since Daniel Ricciardo left," Slater commented.
Hadjar expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I’m thrilled to continue with Oracle Red Bull Racing. From the moment I arrived eight months ago, I grasped the scale and ambition of this organisation. The talent in the factory is extraordinary, and it’s a privilege to race alongside a four‑time champion like Max. Since signing, I’ve devoted myself to the team, and with the support of Laurent and everyone in Milton Keynes, I’ve been able to justify the faith placed in me.
Every day I aim to listen, learn and push my limits further." When asked about the renewal at the drivers’ press conference in Baku, Hadjar said he was completely relaxed about the negotiations and admitted he wasn’t even aware of the contract length. "I let my people handle the talks.
I focus on the track, that’s it. It was very easy," he explained.
When pressed about the term, he shrugged, "I don’t really know, I don’t care. If you’re good, you stay." Regarding his wrist injury, Hadjar clarified that it was a minor fracture outside the wrist, managed without surgery. "It’s a long recovery, still painful, but after six weeks it’s strong enough to handle the stresses.
The simulator tests went well, and the cockpit feels similar, so I’m confident once the adrenaline kicks in on track, I’ll be fine. The training sessions have been dull because I can’t use my left arm much," he said. The injury occurred during a routine boxing drill. Red Bull has not imposed new restrictions on his training, but Hadjar admitted he will be more cautious in the future, joking, "Next time I’ll think twice, maybe strap myself up.
I’m not a child; I just need to be careful." 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 also have contracts secured, while Audi will retain Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg. This leaves Racing Bulls, Haas and Aston Martin as the only teams still finalising their rosters.
Aston Martin’s future hinges on Fernando Alonso’s decision; his retirement would free a seat. Alonso has hinted that news won’t arrive soon, expressing dissatisfaction with current regulations, prompting FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to suggest accelerating the development of Aston Martin’s Honda power unit. In Britain, Oliver Bearman is expected to stay at Haas, but teammate Esteban Ocon could lose his drive as Haas is rumored to promote Ferrari junior Rafael Camara for 2027 after his impressive Formula 2 campaign.
Red Bull’s junior program also features Nikola Tsolov, the current F2 leader, and the team faces a delicate choice between promoting Arvid Lindblad or Liam Lawson, both of whom have performed strongly this year. The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix schedule is packed with support events: F2 practice, qualifying and races, followed by the main F1 sessions.
All action will be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event, with the Grand Prix itself slated for Saturday midday. Viewers are advised to use Chrome for the optimal video experience.