Isack Hadjar, currently racing for the Racing Bulls junior team, has firmly dismissed speculation about a move to the senior Red Bull Formula 1 team. These rumors have gained traction amid ongoing issues faced by Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull, with many expecting a change before the 2025 season progresses further.
Red Bull initially promoted Liam Lawson to the main team at the start of 2025, only for him to be relegated back to the junior squad shortly after two races. The hope had been for Tsunoda to improve his performances in the RB21 car, but halfway through the season, the results have been disappointing. After sixteen rounds, Tsunoda sits 19th in the drivers’ standings, having earned just 12 points. Notably, both Red Bull junior drivers, Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar, rank higher in the standings with positions 15 and 9 respectively.
This week’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku provides a new challenge as the 2025 season nears its final stages. Ahead of the event, Hadjar was questioned about the circulating rumors linking him to the Red Bull senior team. The French driver responded without hesitation:
“You think when I’m in the car that I’m thinking about all of these rumors in the paddock? I have other problems to deal with.” – Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls driver
Pressure is mounting on Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull, especially since he has not yet finalized a contract extension. Similarly, Hadjar and Liam Lawson are also awaiting contract decisions with Racing Bulls as the season continues.
Isack Hadjar’s Remarkable Podium at the Dutch Grand Prix
Hadjar’s strong rejection of the promotion rumors stems largely from his impressive performances with the junior team, alongside the struggles of Tsunoda at Red Bull. His standout result of the year came at the Dutch Grand Prix, which is close to Max Verstappen’s home base and a key event in the calendar.
At Zandvoort, Hadjar qualified fourth, showcasing his pace and potential. During the race, he capitalized on late developments, including a late retirement for McLaren’s Lando Norris, to secure a podium finish in third place. This achievement placed him on the podium alongside Oscar Piastri, who won the race, and Verstappen in second.
Reflecting on his performance after the race, Hadjar expressed his satisfaction and surprise at maintaining his position:
“It feels a bit unreal. What was most surprising for me was keeping that fourth place for the whole race. Unfortunately for Lando, we took advantage of his [retirement], but we made no mistakes. The car was on rails the whole weekend, and I’m really happy about myself because I really maximised what I had, made no mistakes and brought home the podium, so I’m so happy for my guys.” – Isack Hadjar
Remaining Season and Future Prospects
With eight races left in the 2025 F1 season, attention remains focused on Isack Hadjar as he continues to demonstrate consistent form in the junior category. His strong points tally and ability to challenge senior drivers highlight his potential for future opportunities.
Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding contract renewals for Tsunoda, Hadjar, and Lawson adds an element of tension within the Red Bull and Racing Bulls setups. How team management approaches these key decisions will influence the driver line-ups for the remainder of the campaign and beyond.
As the season progresses through venues like Baku, the performances of these talented drivers will be under the spotlight, setting the stage for possible shifts within the Red Bull racing hierarchy in the near future.
