Red Bull Racing has officially confirmed that Isack Hadjar will stay alongside four‑time world 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 Grands Prix because of a wrist injury sustained during a summer training session. He is now declared fit, and will line up for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, a race that will be 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 at least until the close of 2030. Team principal Laurent Mekies praised Hadjar, saying, "From day one Isack has been exceptional both on‑track and off‑track. Considering this is only his second season in Formula 1, extending his deal was a straightforward decision." Mekies added that Hadjar immersed himself in the technical side of the operation, spending countless hours in the Milton Keynes factory working with engineers to fine‑tune the car, and that his composure during his debut weekend in Melbourne demonstrated his readiness for the role.
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 found it difficult to match Verstappen's pace. Hadjar, however, has shown himself to be a genuine contender, even out‑qualifying his champion teammate on several occasions this year.
His performances have kept the seat secure despite the injury setback. Even after missing the final three rounds, 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 highlighted the resilience of the young driver, stating, "The period following his injury has been challenging, but this contract extension underlines our confidence in his talent. We look forward to seeing him back at full speed." He also emphasized the unity within the team, noting 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 that Hadjar's injury occurred when he struck a heavy bag during his boxing‑based fitness routine.
"He’s recovered and will be back in the car this weekend," Slater said, adding that Lawson performed admirably as a stand‑in but that few were surprised by the decision to retain Hadjar. "He’s arguably Verstappen’s most competitive teammate since Daniel Ricciardo left the team." 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 in the factory is extraordinary, and driving alongside a four‑time champion is a privilege I don’t take lightly. From the moment I signed, I committed myself to earning the trust placed in me, and with the support of Laurent and the whole Milton Keynes crew, I’ve been able to justify that faith every day.
I’m constantly listening, learning and pushing my limits for what lies ahead." During the post‑race press conference in Baku, Hadjar admitted that contract talks never entered his mind. "I let my people handle the negotiations," he said. "I focus on the racing, and if you perform well you stay – that’s all that matters." When asked about the length of the new deal, he responded, "I don’t really know, and I don’t mind.
If you’re good, you keep the seat." He also gave details on his wrist injury, describing it as a small fracture outside the joint that required no surgery but a lengthy natural healing process. "It’s still a bit painful, but after six weeks it’s strong enough to handle the stresses of racing.
I tested the simulator and felt the car behaved like the real cockpit, so I’m confident the adrenaline on track will help me manage any remaining discomfort. The training sessions have been dull because I couldn’t use my left arm much, but I’m back now." Hadjar clarified that the injury happened during a routine boxing workout and that Red Bull has not imposed any new restrictions on his training regimen, although he plans to be more cautious in the future. "Next time I’ll think twice, maybe strap the wrist, but there are no bans.
I’m not a child; I just need to be smarter about it," he said. With Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren all confirming their driver line‑ups through 2027, the remaining seats are still up for grabs. Alpine, Williams and Cadillac have already secured their 2027 drivers, while Audi will keep Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg together.
The only teams still searching for full line‑ups are Racing Bulls, Haas and Aston Martin. Aston Martin’s future could hinge on Fernando Alonso’s decision.
If the two‑time champion chooses to retire, a coveted seat will open up. Alonso has hinted that his departure will not be announced soon, citing dissatisfaction with the current regulations and the ongoing discussions about Honda’s engine supply to Aston Martin. In the junior ranks, Britain’s Oliver Bearman is expected to remain at Haas, but his teammate position may be taken by Ferrari’s junior Rafael Camara, who impressed in Formula 2.
The current F2 championship leader, Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov, is also on Red Bull’s radar, as the team traditionally promotes its young talent quickly. However, Red Bull faces a delicate decision because both Racing Bulls drivers, Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson, have delivered strong performances this year, making any replacement a difficult choice.
The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend is packed with action. On Thursday, September 24, F2 practice begins at 6:55 am, followed by qualifying and a team bosses’ press conference. Friday features the F2 sprint, the third practice session for the Grand Prix, and the F2 feature race, leading into the qualifying build‑up for the main event. Saturday, September 26, hosts the final F2 race, the Grand Prix itself, post‑race analysis and commentary segments.
All sessions will be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event and are also available via NOW streaming with a flexible, cancel‑anytime subscription. In summary, Isack Hadjar’s contract extension secures his place at the pinnacle of motorsport for at least the next two seasons, reaffirming Red Bull’s confidence in his abilities and providing continuity for a team that aims to dominate the sport well into the next decade.