Isack Hadjar Targets 2027 Title Fight After Red Bull Contract Extension

Posted : 01 October 2026

Isack Hadjar has set his sights on fighting for the Formula One world championship next season, declaring that he wants to “crush” the competition once Red Bull gives him a car capable of challenging at the front.

The 21-year-old Frenchman has impressed during his first season alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen and was rewarded last week with a contract extension that will keep him at Red Bull for the 2027 campaign.

Hadjar currently sits eighth in the drivers' championship after missing three races because of a wrist injury. He returned at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last weekend and immediately produced a strong result, finishing third for his second podium of the season.

The podium was particularly satisfying for Hadjar because he wanted to secure a top-three finish through his own performance. He said the result had given him encouragement, although he stressed that repeating such performances would be the more difficult challenge.

Hadjar believes his partnership with Verstappen is working well despite both drivers' desire to compete for victories. He said his main objective is to battle directly with the leading drivers and eventually fight for race wins.

The Red Bull driver acknowledged that the team is not currently in contention for the 2026 championship, but he remains hopeful that development work will produce a stronger package for next season. He expects Mercedes to remain a major benchmark while also identifying McLaren and Ferrari as leading competitors.

Hadjar also cited four-time world champion Alain Prost as an inspiration. The Frenchman said Red Bull's objective should be to develop a car capable of fighting for the title rather than necessarily dominating the championship from the outset.

For now, Hadjar is preparing for his first Formula One race at Sepang. The Malaysian circuit has returned to the calendar after a nine-year absence, with the venue hosting the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2-4.

The Frenchman said he is excited to finally drive the circuit after becoming familiar with its layout through television, video games and simulator sessions. He also confirmed that his wrist is no longer causing problems after his cautious return in Baku.

Hadjar has already revealed that he will serve a five-place grid penalty at Sepang because of a power-unit component change, although he believes the circuit's long straights and overtaking opportunities could allow him to recover positions during the race.

Isack Hadjar Targets 2027 Title Fight After Red Bull Contract Extension

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