What ‘a lot of people’ in the F1 paddock have said about Isack Hadjar that will worry him amid 2026 Red Bull links

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Isack Hadjar has been the standout rookie of the 2025 Formula 1 season. His performances have been catching the attention of many in the paddock, including Red Bull.

There were doubts as to whether the Frenchman would be able to make the step up from Formula 2 to F1. But after the embarrassment of crashing out on the formation lap on his debut in Melbourne, he has silenced his critics.

Hadjar has regularly got his VCARB 02 into Q3, consistently beating teammate Liam Lawson since he was dropped back to the Faenza outfit from Red Bull. He is expected to make another step up in 2026.

Hadjar is the favourite to join Red Bull next season, with Yuki Tsunoda struggling in the RB21 next to Max Verstappen. With just seven points on the board since his promotion from Racing Bulls at Suzuka, it is unlikely that the Japanese driver will keep his seat.

Helmut Marko has likened Hadjar to Alain Prost, with the Austrian being a huge fan of the 20-year-old. However, nothing is in place just yet for Red Bull’s driver line-up in 2026, and the paddock chatter surrounding the Frenchman may worry him.

‘A lot of people’ in the paddock say Racing Bulls should be scoring more points with their 2025 car

It is widely known that the VCARB 02 is an easier car to drive than the RB21. Lawson has regained his confidence since stepping into the car, while rumours have suggested that Verstappen could test the machine, but Red Bull risk causing a stir in the paddock over the A/B team controversy.

Racing Bulls have used their machinery to regularly put themselves into Q3 and in contention for points. But despite having an easier car to drive than the main team, they have only scored 45 points as they sit eighth in the standings.

This appears to be lower than many people in the paddock’s expectations, according to journalist Antonio Lobato. He says that ‘a lot of people’ expect Racing Bulls to score more points with the car they have.

Speaking via SoyMotor, Lobato was asked if Hadjar was a ‘winner’ from the first half of 2025: “Yes. The thing is, it’s also true that a lot of people in the paddock say: ‘Damn, with the car RB has, they should even get more points’. But among the rookies, they’re one of the winning rookies.”

Hadjar finds himself on a points drought, having failed to finish in the top 10 in the last five races. His lack of points suggests a poor execution of race operation from Racing Bulls, which needs to be addressed.

Hadjar should be worried by the conversations surrounding the team, as his inconsistent results of late could hamper his chances of joining Red Bull, especially when his teammate is starting to mount pressure.

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

Isack Hadjar needs to score points more consistently as Liam Lawson applies pressure

Lawson may have established an advantage over Hadjar in recent races. The New Zealander has scored 20 points in the last seven races, or 16 in the last five, while his teammate is pointless since Barcelona.

Lawson has clearly made a step forward in recent events and is beginning to find his stride again after a torrid time at Red Bull. His form could swing the momentum in his favour when it comes to a 2026 seat with the Milton Keynes outfit.

Hadjar knows he cannot make mistakes in Q3, and once he irons those out, he can ‘think about’ landing a seat with Red Bull next year. But the drive is not his just yet, and his inconsistency could cost him.

The VCARB 02 is a strong midfield contender which can challenge for top positions in Q3. But Racing Bulls have to execute the perfect race to keep up with their rivals.