Red Bull confirms 2027 driver line‑up with Isack Hadjar

Red Bull Racing announced that Isack Hadjar will remain in the team through 2027, joining Max Verstappen for a second season. The French driver, who missed three races with a wrist injury, will return to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The move follows Verstappen’s 2030 extension and marks the first tim…

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 23 Sep 2026 09:12:21 GMT

Red Bull Racing has officially confirmed that French rookie Isack Hadjar will stay in the team for the 2027 Formula One season, partnering with reigning world champion Max Verstappen. The announcement came on a Wednesday as Hadjar readies himself for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the first race of the season, after missing the previous three events due to a wrist injury.

Contract extension and team dynamics

Team principal Laurent Mekies said the decision to extend Hadjar’s contract was “a testament to how much we believe in him.” Hadjar, who finished eighth in the standings last year, has shown consistency with top‑six finishes in his last seven outings. Despite his limited pace compared to Verstappen, Mekies praised the driver’s professionalism both on and off the track, noting that his performance since moving from sister team Racing Bulls was “superb.” The extension comes after Verstappen signed a contract that keeps him at Red Bull until 2030, creating a stable driver pairing for the next two seasons.

Red Bull’s driver line‑up has seen significant changes in recent years. The team let Liam Lawson go after two races in 2025, and Yuki Tsunoda was dropped at the end of last season. In the interim, Lawson filled in at the Dutch, Italian and Spanish Grands Prix, while Tsunoda returned to Racing Bulls to cover Lawson’s regular seat. Hadjar’s return to the Azerbaijan circuit marks a return to the core lineup that the team believes will drive success in the coming years.

Hadjar’s injury and comeback

Hadjar sustained a wrist injury that forced him to miss three consecutive races. The Frenchman described the period since the injury as difficult but expressed confidence in his recovery. He said, “From the moment I signed, I set out to dedicate myself to the team, and with the support of Laurent and everyone in Red Bull headquarters at Milton Keynes, I’ve been able to justify the faith they’ve had in me.” Red Bull confirmed his return on Tuesday, stating that he had made a successful recovery and would race at the Baku City Circuit on Thursday.

Red Bull also took the opportunity to thank Liam Lawson for his professionalism during the three races he covered. The statement highlighted Lawson’s impressive performances and his valuable contribution to the team, wishing him success as he returns to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.

Implications for the 2027 season

With both Hadjar and Verstappen secured for 2027, Red Bull is positioning itself for a strong campaign. The team’s strategy now focuses on car development and team cohesion, with a clear driver hierarchy that can streamline decision‑making during races. The partnership also signals to rival teams that Red Bull intends to maintain a stable driver line‑up, potentially giving them a competitive advantage in car setup and data collection.

While Verstappen’s 2030 extension guarantees the team’s top seat for the foreseeable future, Hadjar’s contract adds depth and continuity. The French driver’s experience in the 2025 rookie season and his recent top‑six finishes suggest he can contribute valuable feedback to the engineering team, helping to refine the car’s performance.

What’s next for Red Bull and its drivers?

As the season kicks off in Azerbaijan, both drivers will be eager to showcase their readiness after the injury break. Red Bull’s focus will likely shift to early-season testing, fine‑tuning the car’s aerodynamics, and ensuring that the drivers are fully integrated into the team’s race strategy. The next few races will be crucial in determining whether the team’s stability translates into podium finishes and championship points.

For now, the key takeaway is that Red Bull has secured its core drivers for the next two seasons, setting a foundation for continued success in Formula One. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how the partnership between Verstappen and Hadjar develops on the track.

Key facts

Isack Hadjar’s contract extended to 2027
Verstappen’s 2030 extension keeps him at Red Bull
Hadjar will return to race in Azerbaijan after a wrist injury
Liam Lawson’s temporary role was praised by the team
Red Bull focuses on car development and team cohesion

Why it matters

Securing a stable driver lineup gives Red Bull a strategic advantage in car development and race strategy, potentially translating into more consistent results and championship contention.