Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls rookie, has turned heads during a breakthrough 2025 Formula 1 campaign, setting himself apart as one of the most promising newcomers. The Frenchman’s consistent performances, particularly in qualifying and point-scoring, have propelled him from a testing debut to a confirmed seat with Red Bull for 2026.
Early Challenges and Fast Recovery in Rookie Year
The opening months of Hadjar’s journey in Formula 1 were far from smooth. At the season’s Australian Grand Prix, he experienced an early setback by spinning off during the formation lap on a damp track. The incident left Hadjar visibly disappointed as Anthony Hamilton offered consolation. Despite this difficult start, the 21-year-old displayed remarkable resilience, bouncing back with an impressive eighth-place finish in only his third race, held in Japan. This quick response under pressure offered early proof of Hadjar’s determination and mental toughness.
Building Confidence and Consistency as a Racing Bulls Driver
Hadjar’s adaptability and growth became evident throughout the season. Though he admitted to Motorsport.com that he was unsure if he was truly prepared for his Formula 1 debut, a strong winter testing period soon erased those doubts. As the year unfolded, Hadjar demonstrated both self-belief and a willingness to critique his own performances—a combination seen in many of this generation’s rising drivers.
Consistently qualifying between ninth and tenth, Hadjar reliably converted his grid positions into championship points. Among rookies from midfield teams, only Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli finished higher overall. The Frenchman’s record showed that, even against competitive teammates and seasoned rivals, he could extract the maximum from his Racing Bulls car.
Outperforming Teammates and Securing Podium Finishes
Hadjar came into the 2025 season with an edge over Liam Lawson, who was reassigned to Racing Bulls from Red Bull after struggling during his short stint at the senior team. Even as the New Zealander readjusted to his new challenges, Hadjar consistently proved the quicker driver, besting Lawson 21 to 6 in qualifying sessions—covering both regular and sprint formats, and adjusting for Lawson’s two mechanical retirements.
Known for a fiery temperament in the junior ranks, Hadjar worked deliberately to manage his emotions and communication on the radio. While flashes of frustration occasionally surfaced, for the most part, he presented as a reliable and fast competitor. His maiden podium finish in Zandvoort further cemented his reputation as a rising talent in Formula 1.
Tsunoda’s Struggles Pave the Way for Hadjar’s Promotion
Hadjar’s progression came at a time when Yuki Tsunoda, driving for Red Bull’s main squad, struggled to build consistent form. A costly crash at Imola derailed Tsunoda’s momentum, leading to frequent technical disadvantages and difficulties converting his talent into race results. As Tsunoda continued to underperform, the prospect of Hadjar stepping up to Red Bull shifted from a possibility to an almost certain outcome by midseason.
Looking Ahead to a New Era with Red Bull
With Formula 1’s 2026 regulation changes on the horizon, Hadjar’s readiness for the top team will soon be tested. His promotion places him alongside world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull, setting up a major opportunity as the team seeks to move past the challenges of their infamous second seat dynamic. The changes in car specifications are seen as a chance for both drivers to start fresh with an improved, more balanced car.
“I have no expectations at all because everyone is starting from scratch,”
Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls rookie, said, addressing the uncertain landscape for the coming year.
“I’ve always competed in different cars, so I think I’m pretty decent at adapting. Because it’s a new regulation, the timing is ideal.”
– Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls rookie
A Promising Future for the French Star
Isack Hadjar’s composure under pressure, combined with clear growth and adaptability, signals a bright future with Red Bull. As the team prepares to enter a new era with sweeping technical changes, Hadjar will look to build on his remarkable rookie campaign and help shape the next chapter for one of Formula 1’s most successful squads. All eyes will be on Milton Keynes in 2026 to see how both Max Verstappen and Hadjar perform against the backdrop of high expectations and changing dynamics.
