Isack Hadjar just made a ‘bold’ 2026 F1 prediction that could come true at Red Bull

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Isack Hadjar is currently considered to be a long shot for the 2026 Formula 1 title, but he is driving for one of the greatest teams ever.

In what is expected to be an exploratory year for Red Bull, as they debut a new power unit made by themselves, nobody quite knows what they’ll deliver.

In fact, nobody knows what the 2026 F1 regulations are going to throw up. There could be yet another new champion.

It’s unpredictable enough that no one can be ruled out until after the first few races, when we get a clear picture of performance. That includes Isack Hadjar and how he fares against Max Verstappen.

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F1 fans are overjoyed at Red Bull’s livery as they made a good impression with their first major paint scheme changes in 10 years.

Rather encouraging, Red Bull’s ‘messaging’ about their 2026 car is positive and growing increasingly optimistic by the day. They’re unlikely to be in a bad position.

READ MORE: Racing Bulls boss highlights ‘refreshing’ Isack Hadjar trait that will immediately help Red Bull

Isack Hadjar’s ‘bold’ 2026 F1 championship contention prediction could come true at Red Bull

Hadjar battled Lewis Hamilton in ‘more races’ than he expected last year, as he marked a dream rookie campaign with some excellent racing.

Although he’s not really considered much of a threat for the title, mainly because of who’s next to him in the car, there’s one case study to suggest that he could be strong this year.

In fact, speaking to Autosport, Hadjar was asked to make a ‘bold’ prediction for 2026, and it might not be that unrealistic.

“Now, it’s like rolling a dice, right? With the new regulation, so bold – fighting for the world title, I guess? That’s bold enough. There you go,” he said.

Looking back at another massive set of rule changes in 2014, Daniel Ricciardo was able to beat a four-time champion (Sebastian Vettel) in his first campaign at the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

So, why should it be considered impossible for Hadjar? He has the talent, now he just has to go out there and surprise the world.

READ MORE: Isack Hadjar reveals what he’s desperate to learn from Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026

What would make the 2026 F1 season a success for Isack Hadjar?

Understandably, reliability is expected to take a step back this year, as the teams battle new technologies and processes.

For someone like Red Bull, the usual expectation would be to compete for the title, but a successful year this time around might just be showing some encouraging progress with their engine.

For Hadjar, claiming a few podiums would be a strong result, and maybe sneaking his first win might be possible too.

After all, there are 24 races, which is plenty of opportunity to have one stellar weekend. Now he just needs a strong Red Bull chassis underneath him.