Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar has voiced his disappointment regarding the impending conclusion of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Hadjar stated he feels he still has “a lot in the tank” despite the championship nearing its end.
The Frenchman’s first season with Red Bull has seen him secure three podium finishes, specifically at the Monaco, Azerbaijan, and São Paulo Grands Prix. He currently holds eighth position in the Drivers’ Championship with 122 points.
Hadjar’s season was interrupted by a wrist injury sustained during a boxing workout over the summer break. This injury forced him to miss three consecutive rounds: the Dutch, Italian, and Spanish Grands Prix.
Liam Lawson deputised for Hadjar at Red Bull during this period, before Hadjar made his return to competition at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26.
The 2026 calendar has also been affected by geopolitical events. The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, originally scheduled for April, were cancelled due to the ongoing US/Israel-Iran war.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was later relocated and held in Malaysia in September. This series of cancellations contributed to a reduced number of races in the first half of the season.
Formula 1 has confirmed that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will proceed as planned to conclude the season. Imola was considered as a contingency venue but has been formally stood down.
However, the possibility of further re-escalation in the Middle East means the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix could still become the final event of the campaign.
Hadjar dismissed the notion that his injury layoff disrupted his momentum. He noted that he returned when the Red Bull RB22 car had made significant performance advancements.
“I definitely came back when the car made the step. At the same time, I feel like this year, for some reason, I feel like I haven’t driven much.”
The RB22, Red Bull’s 2026 challenger, initially faced challenges, including being overweight by 10-13kg at the start of the season. It also experienced reliability issues with its new Red Bull Ford power unit.
Despite these early difficulties, the team has implemented development updates, particularly to the underbody and other components, aiming to reduce weight and improve aerodynamic performance.
Red Bull Technical Director Pierre Waché has acknowledged Hadjar’s development, stating that the Frenchman has shown massive potential and a desire to win.
Team Principal Laurent Mekies also praised Hadjar’s performance, particularly his drive at the São Paulo Grand Prix, describing it as potentially his strongest with the team.
Hadjar’s commitment to Red Bull was solidified with a contract extension through the 2027 season, announced on September 23, 2026, prior to his return at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
He will continue to partner Max Verstappen, who is contracted with the team until 2030. Verstappen supported the contract renewal, citing the benefit of continuity for the team.
The 2026 season has seen Kimi Antonelli secure the Drivers’ Championship, with Mercedes clinching the Constructors’ title. The remaining races are the Las Vegas Grand Prix (November 19–21), the Qatar Grand Prix (November 27–29), and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (December 4–6).
