Red Bull promote Hadjar to partner Verstappen

French rookie Isack Hadjar will step up to the main Red Bull car next season to partner four-time world champion Max Verstappen, the Austrian Formula One team announced on Tuesday.

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French rookie driver Isack Hadjar.

(AFP)

Isack, who only turned 21 in September, has enjoyed an impressive first season with Red Bull’s junior team Racing Bulls, scoring 10 top-10 finishes, including his first podium when he finished third in the Netherlands.

He replaces Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda who becomes Red Bull’s test and reserve driver.

“After all the hard work I have put in since joining the junior team, it's such a great reward,” a grateful Hadjar said in a Red Bull statement.

“I’ve had many ups and downs throughout my career and they kept believing and pushing me.