Sports · updated 1h ago · 2 min read
Red Bull Keeps Isack Hadjar As Max Verstappen Teammate For 2027 Season
Red Bull extends Isack Hadjar for the 2027 season alongside Verstappen. Hadjar returns from wrist injury at Azerbaijan Grand Prix; extension announced.
33 outlets told this the same way.
11 of 12 outlets skipped it: hadjar broke his wrist while boxing.
33outlets compared
Hadjar stays for 2027
Red Bull confirmed that Isack Hadjar will remain Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2027 Formula 1 season, with the French driver returning to action at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after missing three races due to a wrist injury. Hadjar said, “There are so many talented people at the factory, and you’re aware of the privilege of driving for such an incredible team alongside a four-time world champion like Max.” Laurent Mekies described the contract extension as “an easy decision,” saying Hadjar had been “superb on and off track” since joining the team at the start of the year.
““We’re very excited to continue our journey with Isack,” said Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies.”
Hadjar’s injury had kept him out of the Netherlands, Italy and Spain, and Liam Lawson stepped into the Red Bull seat during his absence. Red Bull also tied Verstappen to the team through the end of 2030, setting the backdrop for Hadjar’s second season alongside the four-time world champion.
Return in Baku
Hadjar prepared to return in Baku after the wrist injury sustained while boxing as part of his training programme, and Red Bull used the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to announce his 2027 extension. Hadjar said, “I’m constantly looking to listen, learn and push myself further every single day, which only makes me more excited about what lies ahead.” Mekies pointed to Hadjar’s integration into the team, saying, “From the start, Isack immersed himself in the team, spending every minute at the factory with his engineers to develop the car, always eager to learn and improve.”
The BBC said Hadjar’s best result this season came with a third place at the Monaco Grand Prix, and it also noted he was eighth in the standings with 71 points. The BBC added that over the first half of the season Hadjar was 0.239 seconds slower than Verstappen on average in qualifying, while out-qualifying the Dutchman three times in Australia, Japan and Britain.
What the deal changes
Red Bull’s extension locked in its 2027 driver line-up with Hadjar staying alongside Verstappen, while Racing Bulls still had not confirmed its own driver line-up for 2027. Autosport said Racing Bulls had incumbents Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, and it also noted junior driver Nikola Tsolov was waiting in the wings. Hadjar’s deal also came after he missed the last three Grands Prix in Zandvoort, Monza and Madrid, with Lawson stepping into the Red Bull seat during that stretch.
““I have been able to justify the trust they have placed in me.”
CNEWS said Hadjar turned 22 next Monday and sat 8th in the World Championship with 71 points, while also citing his Monaco podium as third. France 24 said Hadjar would continue as Verstappen’s teammate in 2027, and it quoted Hadjar saying, “I have been able to justify the trust they have placed in me.”