Isaac Hajjar says he has the best timing he could have hoped for to move up to Red Bull thanks to new regulations coming in 2026.
Red Bull opted to release Yuki Tsunoda at the end of 2025 and promote Hajjar after an excellent rookie season with the Racing Bulls. The second seat next to Max Verstappen has been a tough opportunity for several drivers over the past 18 months, including Tsunoda, Liam Lawson and Sergio Perez, but Hajjar says the timing of his move has alleviated many of the challenges faced by his predecessors.
“I had to do my best here (Racing Bulls) to go to Red Bull,” Hajjar said. “There wasn’t a lot of attention paid to what the big boys were doing.
“But now there’s definitely a shift in focus and I can’t wait to get to MK[Milton Keynes]and start working with the guys over January and February. It’s not going to be fun, but I believe it’s going to make a difference here, because cars haven’t been built yet. And there’s one tool there, and that’s the sim. So there’s a lot of work to be done. I’ve got more time off, but what’s the point?”
“It’s the best timing ever… it’s a new car. It’s not like Max knows cars, right? Everything is starting from scratch. I feel really lucky to be at Red Bull. It’s going to be very beneficial and if the car has to go in one direction, I’ll be here too. And maybe that’s just my opinion. So I’m excited.”
The Frenchman has already said he will have to temper his own expectations alongside Verstappen next season, but he also hopes to be able to learn from the four-time world champion early in his career.
“Honestly, I think we were very lucky to have arrived in better conditions,” he said. “Laurent[Mekies, team principal]will also be there. I’ve already worked with him, so it’s a very familiar face. I’m excited, to be honest.”
“(Success is) fighting for wins and being there every weekend. To be the first driver in a while doing a really great job next to Max…”
“It’s hard to realize that. It’s not just Red Bull, it’s being teammates with Max. I’m only 21 years old and at such a young age I get to see what the best level in the world is, so I’m very grateful. I’m very lucky.”
