Isack Hadjar calls Red Bull speculation "annoying"

Isack Hadjar has called speculation around a potential move up to Red Bull "annoying". 

The rookie driver has been rumoured to take Yuki Tsunoda's spot for the 2026 season after a poor run of results. 

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has stated the team will make decisions over driver line ups for them and Racing Bulls after the Mexico Grand Prix. 

The French-Algerian driver has had an good first season in Formula 1, including securing a third-place podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix. 

He's now the frontrunner to race alongside Max Verstappen next year.

Hadjar confirmed he will be in Formula 1 next year, but would rather wait until the season's over to know which team he'll be with.

“Actually, I’d like to know at the end of the year because it’s more annoying than anything, the noise,"

The 21 year old seemed tired of the speculation as he was questioned on media day, reiterating that his focus is on the final five races. 

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Tsunoda fighting for his place

Despite interest in Hadjar, it's possible Red Bull stick with Tsunoda to give him more time in the Red Bull seat - and pair it alongside development for the 2026 car. 

In the past, Red Bull have been cutthroat in their driver decisions, axing individuals midway through the season. 

That last happened at the beginning of this year, when Liam Lawson was switched with Tsunoda due to poor performance. 

But since Christian Horner's sacking in July, there's been a turnaround for the team with Laurent Mekies as the wheel. 

They have backed the Japanese driver despite not matching the results of his teammate Verstappen. 

However, Tsunoda believes he's proved enough over the years to make his case to stay at Red Bull. 

"The potential to be second in Teams' Championship - what I scored in Austin was a good step, so I need to do more, and keep scoring at the races. Which over the last few years the [second] Red Bull driver has struggled with."

"I've proved a lot of things over the past few years, and in different teams..."

"I'm trying to improve myself and score points. And it is up to them, what sort of team line up they want...", he said.

Formula 1 news & related links

• Oscar Piastri confirms there'll be no repercussions for Lando Norris after US Sprint incident

• Is Max Verstappen back? How he could catch Oscar Piastri

• Is rookie Isack Hadjar Red Bull's new number 2 driver?