The stakes couldn’t be higher for Yuki Tsunoda and rookie Isack Hadjar as they take the wheel for Racing Bulls in the 2025 Formula 1 season. With the Red Bull sister team aiming to rebound from a lackluster eighth-place finish in last year’s Constructors’ standings, both drivers face a critical season that could shape their futures in the sport.
A Team Looking for Redemption
Racing Bulls struggled to maintain momentum in 2024. Initially holding sixth place in the standings, the team’s midseason development struggles allowed rivals Haas and Alpine to close the gap. By the time Racing Bulls found their footing again, the damage was done, and they finished eighth—a result that fell far short of expectations.
Now, with a revamped aerodynamic headquarters in Milton Keynes alongside Red Bull Racing, Racing Bulls is banking on significant performance improvements in 2025. For Tsunoda and Hadjar, this season is a golden opportunity to either solidify their positions in Formula 1 or risk falling out of favor in the fiercely competitive Red Bull system.
Yuki Tsunoda: The Experienced Underdog
For Yuki Tsunoda, this season is a make-or-break moment. The Japanese driver, entering his fifth year in F1, has faced criticism for not progressing as quickly as expected. With Liam Lawson now partnering Max Verstappen at Red Bull, Tsunoda’s path to a seat with the senior team seems blocked.
Despite the disappointment, Tsunoda remains focused on showcasing his skills. Speaking about his growth, he noted, “I feel like compared to 2021, I’m a completely different driver and person. I’m more controlled, more consistent, and much calmer, both on and off the track.”
Tsunoda’s task is clear: outperform his rookie teammate and catch the eye of other teams on the grid. If he can deliver standout performances, Tsunoda may position himself for a move to a team outside the Red Bull ecosystem, potentially securing a fresh start elsewhere.
Isack Hadjar: The Rookie with a Mission
Isack Hadjar enters Formula 1 with significant expectations. The 20-year-old French-Algerian driver earned his seat at Racing Bulls after an impressive Formula 2 campaign, narrowly missing out on the championship. His promotion comes as a direct result of Sergio Perez’s departure and Lawson’s elevation to Red Bull.
Hadjar views Tsunoda as both a benchmark and a mentor, saying, “I look forward to working with and learning from Yuki. I’ve always looked up to him; we’ve shared a similar path through the Red Bull Junior Programme.”
For Hadjar, 2025 is about proving he belongs on motorsport’s biggest stage. With Red Bull’s history of ruthlessly cycling through young talent, he must quickly adapt to F1 and deliver results. A strong debut season could secure his long-term future, while struggles may leave him vulnerable to being replaced by the next rising star in Red Bull’s talent pipeline.
High Stakes in a High-Pressure System
Both drivers face unique challenges within the cutthroat world of the Red Bull ecosystem. For Tsunoda, it’s about proving he’s more than just a mid-tier driver and earning respect outside the shadow of Red Bull. For Hadjar, it’s about living up to the hype and laying the foundation for a successful F1 career.
With the team’s new resources and a commitment to improving its performance, Racing Bulls offers both drivers a platform to shine. Whether they can seize the opportunity remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the pressure is on.
