Formula Two runner-up Hadjar takes the place of New Zealander Liam Lawson, confirmed yesterday as teammate to four-time world champion Max Verstappen at the main Red Bull team.

“The journey from karting through the ranks in single-seaters, to now being in Formula One is the moment I’ve been working towards my whole life, it is the dream,” Hadjar said in a statement.

“I feel like I’m stepping into a whole new universe, driving a much faster car and racing with the best drivers in the world. It’ll be a huge learning curve but I’m ready to work hard and do the best I can for the team.”

Lawson, 22, has replaced Mexican Sergio Perez, whose dramatic collapse in form this season led to him being dropped despite having a contract for next year.

Hadjar will be the third French driver on the 20-car starting grid next season, along with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Haas’s Esteban Ocon.