RB CEO pleads Red Bull not to sign Isack Hadjar - “For heaven’s sake, don't take this talent away from us too soon”

Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer has pleaded with Red Bull not to promote Isack Hadjar to the main team anytime soon. He believes the rookie needs one more full season in the sister team to understand the business and dynamics of Formula 1.

Hadjar, a highly rated rookie from Red Bull's junior academy, debuted in F1 this year. He joined the Milton Keynes-based squad's sister team, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. While his debut in Australia was upsetting since he crashed in the formation lap, Hadjar picked himself up quickly.

He has scored 21 points in nine races, placing himself ninth in the championship standings. The rookie's impressive performance in his debut year has led to speculations of his possible promotion to Red Bull in 2026.

However, Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer has advised the main team against this. He believes Isack Hadjar is a great talent who should stay in VCARB for 2026 to mature as an F1 driver. Talking to German publication Blick, Bayer said (via Motorsportweek):

“For heaven’s sake, don’t take this talent away from us too soon. He should get to know the whole business by the end of 2026. Until then, we’ll just have to handcuff him!"

Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull's newest addition, hasn't fared well since his promotion ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix in April. With 10 points in nine races, he slipped to P15 in the drivers' standings. Since the RB21 seems difficult to handle for newcomers, the Bulls have reportedly allowed Tsunoda the rest of the season to prove his mettle.

However, for 2026, Red Bull's seat isn't secured. Tsunoda's contract is expiring by the end of the season, and apart from Hadjar, the team also has 17-year-old Arvid Lindblad waiting in the wings. The rookie recently received an F1 super license from the FIA despite not meeting the age eligibility, as the governing body made an exemption for him considering his junior series experience.

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F1 expert advises Isack Hadjar against a potential move to Red Bull

Isack Hadjar at F1 Grand Prix of Spain - Source: Getty

With rumors around Isack Hadjar's possible promotion to Red Bull in 2026 gaining momentum, F1 expert Simon Lazenby issued a warning to the rookie. In a Sky Sports show, Lazenby said a move to the main team could destroy the rookie's career, possibly due to mental pressure.

"If I were Isack Hadjar, I would be saying, 'no, no, no.' I would be running a mile from that at the moment. Why would you potentially destroy your career, because it's destroyed everybody else's career up to this point? I mean, some have bounced back, and I'm thinking Alex Albon, and I'm thinking Pierre Gasly to some extent, but all the others," Lazenby said (via Motorsport.com).

On the same Sky Sports panel, David Croft said Hadjar is not the solution to Red Bull's second-seat revolving-door problem, as he believes the French driver is not ready to face the music yet. Karun Chandhok also echoed a similar sentiment, saying Hadjar should hold on to the Racing Bulls seat and then try to fetch a deal with either Ferrari or Aston Martin in future.