Isack Hadjar, Red Bull’s latest Formula 1 rookie, has expressed his gratitude for the unique relationship he shares with the team’s legendary advisor, Helmut Marko, as he gears up for his debut season with Racing Bulls in 2025. The 20-year-old French-Algerian driver is set to partner Yuki Tsunoda following a strong performance in Formula 2, where he finished as the 2024 runner-up.
A Relationship Beyond the Track
Hadjar highlighted the personal connection he shares with Marko, describing it as more than just a professional relationship.
“It really touches me that Helmut came all the way to Italy to sign my contract in person,” Hadjar shared in an interview with Canal+.
“The relationship I have with him is more than just boss-employee. He respects me as a person and my approach to the sport, and if things aren’t going well, he won’t just criticise me.”
Marko’s reputation as a tough but nurturing mentor has been pivotal for Hadjar, who acknowledged the trust and guidance he’s received since joining the Red Bull Junior Programme in 2022.
The Reality of F1 Hits Home
Hadjar admits the gravity of his promotion to Formula 1 hasn’t fully sunk in yet. Sharing the track with motorsport legends like Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Max Verstappen during pre-season testing in Bahrain will make the dream feel real.
“I’ll only really realise it in Bahrain, during pre-season testing. I’ll be sharing the track with Lewis, Alonso, Max. That’s when it’ll hit me.”
Marko’s Advice for Hadjar: Stay Focused
While Marko has praised Hadjar’s speed and potential, he also emphasized areas for improvement. The Austrian pointed out that emotional control and focus will be critical for the young driver in 2025.
“Isack is fast, but he has to keep his emotions under control and focus,” Marko told the Inside Line F1 Podcast.
“One example was in Monaco during a Safety Car period—he was on the radio, moaning and complaining instead of attacking. He needs to concentrate on the important things and make fewer mistakes.”
Hadjar’s Mindset for 2025
Despite the challenges ahead, Hadjar is approaching his rookie season with a competitive mindset.
“I know myself. As soon as I get in the car, I want to beat my teammate. The first races will be difficult, but I have to make sure I don’t get discouraged.”
Hadjar will face stiff competition from Yuki Tsunoda, who enters his fifth F1 season. With minimal F1 experience outside of FP1 and test sessions, Hadjar’s focus will be on building consistency and learning from his more seasoned teammate.
A Promising Rookie Class
Hadjar joins an exciting crop of rookies entering F1 in 2025, including Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Jack Doohan (Alpine), Ollie Bearman (Haas), and Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber). With raw speed and a strong support system, the Racing Bulls rookie has all the ingredients to make a name for himself in motorsport’s top tier.
Whether he can balance his aggressive driving style with the maturity required for F1 remains to be seen, but Hadjar’s journey will undoubtedly be one to watch.
