Bottas makes F1 'return' in Austin before joining Cadillac in 2026

During FP1 in Austin, a light-hearted exchange took place between Isack Hadjar and his race engineer — one that, indirectly, also involved Valtteri Bottas.

During the first session, Hadjar’s race engineer came on the radio several times to warn him that Valtteri Bottas was approaching from behind.

After hearing the Finn’s name mentioned for the third time, Hadjar jokingly pointed out the mistake, saying over the radio: “Stop with Bottas, mate. There is no Bottas on track.”

Realising the mix-up, the engineer quickly apologised for the confusion, and the pair laughed it off.

Isack Hadjar during the Italian Grand Prix. Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

The Racing Bulls driver finished the first and only practice session in ninth place but failed to reach the top ten in Sprint Qualifying, bowing out in SQ2 with the twelfth-fastest time.

Hadjar addresses Red Bull rumors as potential 2026 call approaches

On the eve of the Austin weekend, Hadjar once again faced questions from the media about his future for 2026, with Red Bull expected to make a decision on next season’s line-up by next week’s Mexican Grand Prix.

The Frenchman remains in contention to partner Max Verstappen in what’s shaping up to be one of the most revolutionary regulation changes in Formula 1 history, while Yuki Tsunoda continues to struggle in comparison to the Dutchman.

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