Martin Brundle just explained why Isack Hadjar isn’t the ideal driver for Red Bull in 2026

Follow us on Google Discover

Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar could make a compelling case that he’s been the most impressive rookie on the Formula 1 grid this season.

Three new drivers scored their first F1 podiums this season: Andrea Kimi Antonelli in Canada, Nico Hulkenberg at Silverstone and Isack Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Antonelli would have been expected to record a top-three finish this year, given he’s driving a Mercedes that George Russell has proved is capable of winning races.

The changeable weather conditions at Silverstone allowed Hulkenberg to finally stand on the podium, but it was nevertheless still an extremely impressive effort.

However, it’s hard to argue that Hadjar’s third-place finish at Zandvoort wasn’t the most impressive performance of the lot.

He needed Lando Norris to suffer a mechanical fault in the closing stages, but Hadjar qualified fourth for Racing Bulls and held his position to the chequered flag ahead of the likes of George Russell and Alex Albon.

Hadjar has been linked with joining Red Bull next season, with Yuki Tsunoda coming under increasing pressure.

However, it’s hard to disagree with what Martin Brundle has said Red Bull would ‘ideally’ do with Hadjar going into 2026.

READ MORE: Who is Racing Bulls 2025 F1 driver Isack Hadjar? Everything you need to know

Martin Brundle says Red Bull ‘ideally’ won’t promote Isack Hadjar in 2026

Brundle was speaking on The F1 Show about Hadjar’s future, and he explained: “I think if the regulations allow, Red Bull should run a one-car team and have three drivers in the Racing Bulls might solve the problem because anybody who sits alongside Max gets their head scrambled pretty rapidly for a number of reasons.

“Basically, because he’s so fast and so good. But I think Yuki’s had his chances, to be honest.

“Obviously, Honda are moving away from Red Bull as well with that Japanese link. I think you’ve got to look to the future.

“The problem is for next year there’s such a dramatic change with the biggest ever in the history of Formula 1 with the power units and the chassis that you want the experience, you want knowledge.

“I think Lawson’s showing some potential and some upside. Hadjar, definitely, ideally, I don’t think you want to put Hadjar up into the main team. I think he needs another year.

“Lindblad’s looking really good, but does he need a bit more experience yet? So, it’s a gamble, and they’ll say, ‘We refer you to Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel when we put young guys in, and if they’re good enough, they can handle it.’

“So, I suspect it’s a heavy discussion as to whether they’re going to take a risk on Hadjar in the main team and Lindblad in the Racing Bulls.”

READ MORE: All to know about Racing Bulls from team principal to Red Bull affiliation

Why Martin Brundle is right that Red Bull should delay promoting Isack Hadjar

Hadjar currently sits 10th in the drivers’ championship with four races to go, ahead of seasoned campaigners like Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso.

The 15 points he scored for finishing third at Zandvoort have played a significant part in his position in the standings, but executing a weekend that well deserves its rewards.

However, without that race, he would be behind Liam Lawson, who has improved since his Red Bull demotion.

The manner in which Lawson struggled at Red Bull at the beginning of 2025 is one of the reasons why Brundle is spot on to suggest that Laurent Mekies and Helmut Marko should give Hadjar another year at Racing Bulls.

Verstappen has stalled several very talented drivers’ careers when they’ve been promoted alongside him too quickly.

Tsunoda could be the latest driver to suffer that fate at the end of the season, but if Red Bull want to enjoy long-term stability and success, giving Hadjar one more year at Racing Bulls is the way to go.