As Red Bull Racing gears up for a major driver shift in 2026, one of the biggest questions fans are asking is: How much will Isack Hadjar earn as Max Verstappen’s new teammate?
The 20-year-old French-Algerian sensation is set to replace Yuki Tsunoda after a standout rookie season with Racing Bulls — and his new contract reflects both Red Bull’s confidence in him and the high-pressure nature of the seat.
Estimated Salary: Around €6 million per year
According to early reports, Isack Hadjar’s base salary at Red Bull for the 2026 season is estimated to be around €6 million.
This places him in the mid-tier bracket of Formula 1 earners — significantly higher than rookie salaries, but far below the elite category held by names like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris.
Performance-linked clauses may reduce salary
Hadjar’s deal includes several strict performance clauses, a common feature for Red Bull junior promotions:
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Failure to meet internal performance targets can reduce his salary
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Targets include: points tally, qualifying averages, consistency metrics, development feedback, and simulator performance
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The team also reviews his adaptation to the 2026 car and new power unit
This ensures Red Bull retains flexibility while testing Hadjar’s long-term potential.
1+1 Contract Structure: One guaranteed year + an option
Hadjar’s Red Bull contract is a 1+1 structure, meaning:
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One guaranteed season (2026)
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A second-year option (2027) that Red Bull can activate if he meets their expectations
This is similar to past contracts given to Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon during their early promotions.
How Hadjar’s salary compares to other drivers
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Max Verstappen: ~€55M–€60M
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Lando Norris (2026 est.): ~€20M
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Oscar Piastri: €10M–€12M
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Isack Hadjar: ~€6M
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Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls): ~€3M
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Yuki Tsunoda (reserve role): €1M–€2M
Hadjar enters the grid earning double what he made at Racing Bulls, reflecting his podium and impressive first season.
Why Red Bull is paying Hadjar this amount
His salary reflects:
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A reward for outperforming expectations at Racing Bulls
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Red Bull’s belief that he can grow into a long-term partner for Verstappen
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The need to compensate him for the pressure and scrutiny of Red Bull’s top seat
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His market value rising rapidly after a breakthrough debut year
Yet the performance clauses make sure the team stays protected if things don’t go as planned.
Conclusion
Isack Hadjar’s €6 million Red Bull salary represents a major leap in his F1 career — offering both financial reward and massive responsibility. With a 1+1 deal, incentives, and the constant threat of demotion that comes with the Red Bull system, 2026 will be the most crucial season of his career.
