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, who joined the Oracle Red Bull Racing stable at the beginning of the current season after a standout debut with Racing Bulls in 2025, missed the final three rounds because of a wrist injury sustained during a summer training session. Now fully recovered, Hadjar returned to the grid for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which was broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
The announcement comes on the heels of Red Bull’s earlier confirmation that four‑time world champion Max Verstappen has extended his contract to remain with the team until at least the close of 2030. Team principal Laurent Mekies praised Hadjar’s rapid integration, noting that the 21‑year‑old has shown professionalism both on and off the track in only his second full season in the sport. "From day one he immersed himself in the factory, spending countless hours with his engineers to develop the car, always hungry to learn and improve," Mekies said. "His composure in Melbourne demonstrated that he could handle the step up with poise, earning his place in the seat." The second seat at Red Bull is widely regarded as the most demanding on the grid.
Former drivers such as Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have all struggled to match Verstappen’s pace. Hadjar, however, has shown moments of parity and even out‑performed his champion teammate on occasion, which has helped shield his position from criticism. Despite his three‑race absence, he remains eighth in the Drivers' Championship and reclaimed a podium finish in Monaco after Red Bull and McLaren successfully appealed the reversal of Pierre Gasly’s penalty. Mekies added that the period following Hadjar’s injury was challenging, but the contract extension underscores the team’s confidence in his abilities.
"We have a clear vision for the future, and it’s encouraging to see the drivers, engineers and factory staff all aligned and committed," he said. Sky Sports F1 analyst Craig Slater explained that Hadjar’s injury resulted from striking a heavy bag during his boxing‑based fitness routine. "He’s recovered and will be back on the grid this weekend, continuing as Verstappen’s partner in 2027," Slater noted. "Liam Lawson filled in admirably, but nobody was surprised to see Hadjar retain the seat – he’s been Verstappen’s most competitive teammate since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure." Hadjar expressed enthusiasm about staying with Oracle Red Bull Racing, describing the team’s ambition and the privilege of working alongside a four‑time champion.
"From the moment I signed, I committed myself to the project. With the support of Laurent and the whole Milton Keynes operation, I’ve been able to justify the faith placed in me. Every day I aim to listen, learn and push my limits further," he said.
During the drivers’ press conference in Baku, Hadjar said he felt completely relaxed about the renewal talks, admitting he let his representatives handle the negotiations. "I focus on the track, not the paperwork.
If you’re good, you stay – that’s all that matters," he added when asked about the length of the deal. He also spoke candidly about his wrist injury, describing it as a minor fracture that required no surgery but a lengthy natural healing process.
"It’s still painful, but after six weeks it’s strong enough to withstand the forces in the car. Sim testing went well, and the cockpit feels almost identical to the simulator, so I’m confident I’ll be fine on race day," he explained.
The training sessions had been dull for him, as he was forced to limit the use of his left arm. The injury occurred during a routine boxing workout, and while Red Bull has not imposed new restrictions on his training, Hadjar said he will be more cautious in the future. "Next time I’ll think twice, maybe strap the wrist, but there are no formal limits – I’m not a child," he remarked.
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 in place, while Audi will retain Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg. The remaining teams—Racing Bulls, Haas and Aston Martin—still face decisions. Fernando Alonso’s future remains uncertain; his retirement would open a seat at Aston Martin.
Oliver Bearman is expected to stay at Haas, but his teammate Esteban Ocon may be displaced as Haas eye a debut for Ferrari junior Rafael Camara, following his impressive Formula 2 campaign. Red Bull’s junior programme continues to produce talent, with Nikola Tsolov leading the F2 championship and the team likely to promote a youngster when the opportunity arises. However, the decision is complicated by the strong performances of current Racing Bulls drivers Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson, making any replacement a delicate matter.
The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix schedule includes practice sessions, qualifying and the race itself, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event. The 2026 Formula 1 season proceeds with a triple‑header of events, and fans can stream Sky Sports via NOW with a flexible, cancel‑anytime subscription.