The 2025 Formula 1 season will see 20-year-old French-Algerian rookie Isack Hadjar join Red Bull’s second F1 team, Racing Bulls, solidifying his meteoric rise through the ranks of motorsport. Hadjar becomes the third-youngest driver on the grid, following his promotion from Formula 2, where he finished runner-up in 2024.
A Steady Ascent Through the Ranks
Hadjar’s journey to Formula 1 reflects a steady climb:
- 2019: Part-time in French F4
- 2020: 3rd in French F4
- 2021: 5th in Formula Regional European
- 2022: 4th in Formula 3
- 2023: 14th in Formula 2
- 2024: 2nd in Formula 2
Despite a slow start in Formula 2, Hadjar turned heads with a stellar sophomore campaign, narrowly missing out on the title due to a stall at the championship decider. His resurgence, coupled with Sergio Perez’s departure from Red Bull Racing, opened the door for Hadjar to make his F1 debut.
A Fresh Dynamic at Racing Bulls
Hadjar will team up with Yuki Tsunoda, who brings five seasons of Formula 1 experience. Expressing admiration for Tsunoda, Hadjar acknowledged the opportunity to learn from his seasoned teammate.
“I’ve always looked up to Yuki. He went through the Red Bull junior program like myself, and we’ve shared a similar path to F1,” Hadjar said. “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.”
Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies praised Hadjar’s talent and work ethic, saying the rookie will bring “a new and fresh dynamic” to the team.
Red Bull’s Driver Development Success
The addition of Hadjar highlights the success of Red Bull’s junior program, which has consistently nurtured talent for the pinnacle of motorsport. Peter Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO, emphasized the program’s importance:
“Bringing Isack into VCARB is a testament to our longstanding commitment to develop the best young drivers in motorsport. This move aligns perfectly with our strategic objective of fostering talent and preparing drivers for the next step.”
Hadjar’s promotion also marks the return of three French drivers on the F1 grid, joining Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, and reigniting excitement in France’s motorsport community.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While Hadjar faces the daunting challenge of transitioning to Formula 1, his potential is undeniable. Racing Bulls sees him as a symbol of the team’s evolving mission to connect with younger fans and deliver competitive results.
The 2025 season is expected to be a steep learning curve for Hadjar, but his impressive recovery in F2 and Red Bull’s unwavering support position him as one to watch in the coming years. With the backing of a powerhouse program and a veteran teammate, Hadjar is poised to begin his F1 journey on solid ground.
The Racing Bulls roster is now set, and the team is ready to tackle a new era of Formula 1 with youth, experience, and ambition.
