In a shocking twist at the FIA prize-giving gala, Isack Hadjar, the promising new face of Red Bull Racing, has been overlooked for the coveted Rookie of the Year award. Instead, it was Rafael Camara, the Brazilian sensation who dominated the F3 circuit in 2025, who took home the honors on a night that was supposed to celebrate rising stars in motorsport.
Hadjar, a French-Algerian driver, had a stellar debut season with the Racing Bulls in F1 2025. He finished as the runner-up in the fiercely competitive F2 championship, narrowly missing out to Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto. His season highlights included a thrilling podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, where he clinched third place and helped his team secure 51 points of Racing Bulls’ total 92 points, propelling them ahead of Aston Martin in the constructors’ standings.
In an exhilarating turn of events, Red Bull Racing announced just days before the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that Hadjar would be stepping up to the main team for the next season, taking on the monumental task of partnering with reigning champion Max Verstappen. This promotion marks a significant milestone in Hadjar’s career, especially as he replaces Yuki Tsunoda, who has been relegated to a test and reserve role for the upcoming 2026 season.
Despite Hadjar’s impressive accomplishments, the FIA’s decision to bestow the Rookie of the Year title upon Rafael Camara has left many scratching their heads. The 20-year-old Brazilian driver, who clinched the F3 title in his rookie season with four victories, is a rising star within Ferrari’s junior program. Camara’s remarkable journey began just a year prior when he triumphed in the Formula Regional European Championship with Prema.
The gala, held in Uzbekistan, was a celebration of talent, yet Hadjar’s exclusion from receiving accolades has sparked controversy. While Oscar Piastri remains the last F1 debutant to claim the Rookie of the Year award in 2023, Hadjar’s achievements this past season showcased undeniable skill and potential that many believe warranted recognition.
As motorsport enthusiasts speculate on the implications of this decision, one thing is clear: Isack Hadjar is on a meteoric rise, and while he may not have received the rookie title, his future in Formula 1 is undeniably bright. The world will be watching closely as he embarks on this next chapter with Red Bull Racing, with hopes that the FIA may soon recognize his incredible talent and contributions to the sport.
