Oct.24 (GMM) Regardless of a dip in kind since summer season, Isack Hadjar stays assured he’s heading in the right direction for promotion to Purple Bull Racing in 2026 – whilst stress mounts among the many present Racing Bulls lineup.
The 21-year-old Frenchman endured a subdued weekend in Austin however instructed Sky Italia he’s desirous to bounce again in Mexico.
“I’m actually desirous to get again within the automobile,” Hadjar stated. “I prefer to assume I may be the very best rookie of the season, however the comparability can’t actually be made, as a result of I don’t have the identical automobile as Antonelli, Bortoleto or Bearman.”
Hadjar admitted his final objective is obvious.
“My objective is to go to Purple Bull and develop into Verstappen’s teammate,” he stated. “I’d be dissatisfied if that didn’t occur. However on the identical time, it could be exhausting to go away Racing Bulls as a result of I’m doing so effectively.”
He confirmed that, no matter occurs, his future is safe contained in the Purple Bull organisation.
“I do know I’ll nonetheless be in Method 1 subsequent yr, whereas this time final yr, I had no thought what was in retailer,” he stated. “So you may say I’m much less panicked now.”
Hadjar additionally performed down earlier hypothesis that he may substitute Yuki Tsunoda earlier than the top of 2025.
“That might imply I’d must do two extra races with my crew,” he stated with a smile. “However that’s not going to occur. I’m comfortable at Racing Bulls, I’m working for the crew, and I would like to assist obtain sixth place within the Constructors’ Championship.”
His scenario contrasts sharply with that of Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, who seem like vying for the only remaining Racing Bulls seat for 2026 – with junior Arvid Lindblad anticipated to make his debut alongside Hadjar.
After an on-track conflict in Austin and a few offended radio outbursts, Tsunoda publicly apologised in Mexico. Each drivers had been quizzed concerning the incident and their unsure futures throughout the official FIA press convention.
“We haven’t spoken in particular person,” Tsunoda admitted. “I apologised to the crew and to VCARB. What I stated, particularly within the media, was very pointless.”
Lawson stated he’s attempting to remain centered amid the noise.
“Each weekend I’m simply attempting to do the very best job I can,” he stated. “Our method doesn’t actually change – we’re nonetheless ready on what’s going to occur.”
Requested if he’s completed sufficient to maintain his seat, Lawson replied:
“You all the time look again and study from errors, however I really feel like I’ve completed all the things I can. It’s all the time been performance-based – you drive quick, you keep.”
As for Tsunoda, the Japanese driver is aware of consistency stands out as the deciding issue.
“It’s fairly clear – I have to maintain scoring each race,” he stated. “I feel I’m on the appropriate trajectory, particularly within the second half of the season. The crew is aware of what I can do; now it’s about outcomes.”
