Isack Hadjar Gives First Red Bull Interview as Damon Hill Warns of 'Whipping Boy' Role

Overview

• Hadjar described moments of disbelief about his promotion, saying he sometimes thinks, “What the hell am I doing here?” in his first team interview.
• He said his mother, who manages him, received the confirmation call before he did and informed him of the move.
• Damon Hill predicted on the Stay On Track podcast that Hadjar will serve as a clear support act to Verstappen, calling him the team’s “whipping boy.”
• Red Bull elevated Hadjar after a strong rookie season with Racing Bulls that included a podium at Zandvoort, replacing Yuki Tsunoda, who moves to a reserve role.
• The move comes as Red Bull navigates 2026 changes that include a Ford power-unit partnership and new leadership under team principal Laurent Mekies.