Isack Hadjar Red Bull challenge saw the rising French driver step outside his Formula 1 comfort zone by taking on a Rally Raid event in a Ford Raptor T1+, demonstrating skill and adaptability as he prepares for his F1 promotion in 2026. The remarkable feat took place in the desert as Hadjar geared up to join Red Bull Racing, partnering with world champion Max Verstappen for the upcoming season.
Fresh from a notable rookie year with Racing Bulls during the 2025 F1 season, Hadjar quickly found himself back in the spotlight. Chosen to join Red Bull’s senior team, Hadjar was tasked with a special challenge: could he approach the lap time of a professional Rally Raid driver on a demanding desert course, with just limited practice?
A High-Speed Test Against the Pros
As part of a Red Bull Motorsports video project, Hadjar was challenged to get within fifteen seconds of a benchmark lap set by Mitch Guthrie Jr., a prominent figure in Rally Raid and teammate to Carlos Sainz Sr. for Ford’s 2026 Dakar Rally campaign. The challenge was straightforward in concept but formidable in execution, especially with Ford returning to Formula 1 alongside Red Bull and also making its Dakar Rally debut in the same year.
After Guthrie Jr. completed the course, clocking in at three minutes and sixteen seconds, Hadjar received a first-hand demonstration by riding shotgun for a thrilling preview. The four-kilometer circuit, shaped by rough terrain and shifting sands, provided no room for error.
“The challenge is to see if I can get within 15 seconds of a time set by a pro Rally Raid driver.”
— Isack Hadjar, Driver
Hadjar had only five practice attempts before making his officially timed run. His debut lap came in at four minutes and twenty seconds, as he got his bearings in the Ford Raptor T1+ with Guthrie Jr. advising from the navigator’s seat. The second lap saw Hadjar slide off the course after a misjudged brake point, but he quickly regained control, shaving two seconds off his previous time despite the setback. “I braked a bit late.” — Isack Hadjar, Driver
Rapid Progress and Close Competition
By the third run, Hadjar was fast approaching his target, blending the advice from Guthrie Jr. with instinctive car control. His joy was evident as he reflected on the experience:
“Honestly, I rarely have this much fun in a car.”
— Isack Hadjar, Driver. The third lap proved decisive, as Hadjar posted a three-minute, thirty-one-second time—already within range of the challenge goal, although he wasn’t immediately told he’d succeeded. Encouraged by his mentor, he pressed on for even better results.
Laps four and five saw further improvements, with Hadjar recording a 3:23 and then an impressive 3:19. Guthrie Jr. humorously noted the close call, suggesting the rookie nearly bested the pro time himself as the gap closed to just three seconds by the end of practice. The climactic moment came with Hadjar’s official timed lap, where he stormed to a result of three minutes and eighteen seconds, narrowly missing Guthrie Jr.’s benchmark by only two seconds.
Emotional Reactions and Honest Reflections
Despite narrowly missing the pro’s mark, Hadjar was candid about his performance and relished the whole experience.
“I have a few regrets to be honest,”
Hadjar shared.
“Some bits were very good, some… I f***ed up.”
— Isack Hadjar, Driver
His excitement remained undiminished, as he summed up the thrill of the day:
“Honestly mate, I could do that all day long.”
— Isack Hadjar, Driver. Red Bull’s rally raid event proved both a testing ground and a memorable experience for the emerging F1 driver, highlighting his raw racing instincts and competitive spirit.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Red Bull Racing Debut
With this unique challenge behind him, Isack Hadjar’s attention now shifts squarely toward the F1 2026 season. He is set to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, stepping up after his year with Racing Bulls, and his first taste of the new Red Bull Formula 1 car will come at the restricted-access Barcelona test running from January 26 to 30. The test is expected to be Hadjar’s first real benchmark alongside his experienced teammate and under the scrutiny of the world’s media.
This performance in the desert, along with his steady rise through the F1 ranks and his bold showing in the Rally Raid test, cements Hadjar’s reputation as one of the sport’s most adaptable and exciting new talents. The Isack Hadjar Red Bull challenge not only offered a glimpse of his potential but also set a promising precedent for his competitive debut on motorsport’s grandest stage next year.
