F1 star 'doesn't want to join Red Bull' but could be pushed into seat against his wishes

Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar is reportedly in line to be promoted to a Red Bull seat next season, despite being resistant to the move. Hadjar, 20, has shown flashes of real potential in his first full season on the F1 grid, notching five top-10 finishes and 22 points.

However, the situation above him means the Frenchman may not be able to afford another year just to develop next season. Despite Max Verstappen finally committing his future to the team, who drives alongside him in 2026 remains up in the air. Yuki Tsunoda currently occupies the second seat, but is struggling for results.

Liam Lawson was controversially axed just two races into the season after struggling in Australia and China. Since replacing him, the Japanese driver has scored just 10 points and has registered a top-10 place since the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on May 18.

The team is trying to rebuild following key departures and the dismissal of team principal Christian Horner. They are reportedly looking to promote a driver from within to replace Tsunoda. Hadjar is said to be in the frame but reluctant to step up at this early stage of his career.

However, he may be forced against his will, given that he is technically contracted to Red Bull. That's despite the ex-Formula 2 man also signing a deal with 22 Ventures, the same management company that looks after Kylian Mbappe and Bukayo Saka.

Hadjak is not the only name in the frame. IndyCar star Alex Palou, who is currently the subject of a lawsuit from McLaren after previously backing out of a move to the F1 team, is also being linked.

Horner's replacement, Laurent Mekies, has yet to confirm whether Tsunoda will be replaced at the end of this year. Since taking over, he's defended the 25-year-old's form, arguing the team needs to provide the Japanese racer with the platform to impress.

"The priority is to give Yuki what he needs to perform," he told Sky Sports F1 this month. "That's where, with regards to the second seat, that's where the priority is. It's what the team is concentrating on."