Red Bull Racing has officially announced that Isack Hadjar will continue as Max Verstappen's teammate for the 2027 Formula One campaign. The French driver, who joined the team at the beginning of the current season after a standout rookie year with Racing Bulls in 2025, has now earned a long‑term contract despite having missed the last three rounds while recovering from a wrist injury sustained during a summer training session. Hadjar, only 21, returned to competition at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, taking his place on the grid alongside the four‑time world champion. His recovery has been closely monitored by the team’s medical staff, and they have confirmed that he is fit enough to race at full speed.
The announcement comes on the heels of a separate statement made last month confirming that Verstappen has extended his own deal with Red Bull until at least the end of 2030. Team principal Laurent Mekies praised Hadjar’s integration into the squad, saying, "From day one, Isack threw himself into the project. He spent countless hours in the factory, working shoulder‑to‑shoulder with his engineers to fine‑tune the car.
His professionalism on and off the track made the decision to extend his contract a straightforward one." Mekies added that the young driver displayed remarkable composure during his debut weekend in Melbourne, quickly proving that he could handle the step up to a top‑tier car. 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, and the role has historically seen a high turnover. Hadjar, however, has shown he can compete closely with the Dutch driver, even out‑qualifying or out‑performing him on several occasions this season. This performance has helped him avoid the scrutiny that typically falls on Red Bull’s junior driver.
Despite his injury‑induced absence, Hadjar remains eighth in the Drivers' Championship and reclaimed a podium finish at Monaco after Red Bull and McLaren successfully appealed a penalty that had originally stripped Pierre Gasly of his result. Mekies noted, "The period after his injury was tough for Isack, but the contract extension underscores our belief in his talent and determination.
We look forward to seeing him back at full strength on the track." Sky Sports F1 analyst Craig Slater commented, "Hadjar missed three rounds after hurting his wrist while hitting a heavy bag in his boxing training. He’s now back, and there’s no surprise that Red Bull kept him for 2027. He’s arguably been Verstappen’s toughest teammate since Daniel Ricciardo left the team." Hadjar himself expressed enthusiasm about staying with Oracle Red Bull Racing, stating, "Joining the team eight months ago, I instantly grasped the scale and ambition of the operation. The talent in the factory is incredible, and driving alongside a four‑time champion is a privilege.
From the moment I signed, I’ve dedicated myself to earning the trust of Laurent and everyone in Milton Keynes. Every day I aim to listen, learn and push my limits further." When asked about the contract details during the post‑race press conference in Baku, Hadjar admitted he was largely hands‑off, saying, "I let my management handle the negotiations.
I focus on delivering on the track, and that’s it. It was an easy decision for both parties." He also addressed the nature of his wrist injury, explaining that it was a small fracture that required no surgery but a lengthy natural healing process. "It’s still a bit painful, but after six weeks the bone is strong enough to handle the stresses of racing.
The simulator tests went well, and the environment is almost identical to the cockpit, so I feel confident heading back into the car," he said. The injury occurred during a routine boxing workout, a discipline Hadjar uses for fitness.
Red Bull placed no new restrictions on his training regimen, though he acknowledged he will be more cautious in the future, noting, "Next time I’ll think twice and maybe strap the wrist, but there are no formal limits imposed by the team." Red Bull’s driver lineup for 2027 is now fully locked in, joining Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren, which have also confirmed their 2027 rosters. Alpine, Williams, and Cadillac have secured their drivers as well, while 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 chooses to retire, a scenario that would create a valuable opportunity for a newcomer. Meanwhile, Haas is expected to keep Oliver Bearman but may replace Esteban Ocon with Ferrari junior Rafael Camara, who impressed during his Formula 2 campaign. Red Bull’s own junior programme continues to produce talent. Nikola Tsolov leads the current F2 championship and is a strong candidate for a future F1 seat.
However, the team faces a delicate balance, as both Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson have performed admirably this year, making any decision about who stays a difficult one. The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend is packed with action. The schedule includes F2 practice sessions, qualifying, and feature races, as well as the main F1 events, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event. Fans can stream the coverage via NOW, with a flexible subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
In summary, Isack Hadjar’s extension with Red Bull cements his place among the sport’s elite young drivers and ensures continuity for the team as they chase further championships. His resilience after injury, rapid adaptation to a top‑level car, and competitive spirit have earned him a coveted seat beside Max Verstappen for the next three seasons, and the 2027 campaign promises to be another exciting chapter in his burgeoning Formula One career.