The 2025 Formula 1 season is about to witness the arrival of a new French prodigy. Ismael Hadjar, the 20-year-old rising star, has finally secured his dream seat in F1, stepping into the Racing Bulls squad alongside Yuki Tsunoda.
But for Hadjar, the reality of reaching motorsport’s pinnacle is still sinking in.
“I still ask myself that question every day! I’m not really sure because I haven’t even started working yet. I’m looking forward to it.”
Hadjar’s rapid rise through the Red Bull junior program has been nothing short of remarkable, but his toughest challenge is yet to come. Can he prove himself worthy of a future Red Bull Racing seat—or will he become another junior driver lost in the system?
Hadjar’s Mindset: “If You Don’t Believe You’re the Best, You Have to Stop”
Hadjar’s confidence has never been in question. The young Frenchman believes he belongs in F1—and he isn’t shy about saying it.
“At this level, if you do not believe that you are the best, you have to stop.”
“I have always been sure that I have the ability to achieve this. Since I was a child, I knew that if I was given a steering wheel and two pedals, I could think.”
This fearless mentality is exactly what Christian Horner and Red Bull want from their drivers. While Horner admits Hadjar is still a “raw talent”, he sees the raw speed and aggression that could make him a future contender.
From Karting to F1: The Long Road to the Big Leagues
Born in Paris, Hadjar’s path to F1 followed the traditional route of karting, Formula 4, and junior single-seaters.
- French F4 standout before moving into Formula Regional
- Became a Red Bull Junior Driver in 2022
- FIA Formula 3 podium finisher before a challenging F2 rookie season in 2023
- 2024 F2 title contender, winning four races but falling short in the Abu Dhabi finale
Despite F2 heartbreak, Red Bull remained convinced of his potential, rewarding him with Formula 1 practice outings at both AlphaTauri and Red Bull Racing.
Now, his big moment has arrived—but with Red Bull’s cutthroat driver policy, Hadjar knows that his seat is never secure.
Can Hadjar Be Red Bull’s Next Big Thing?
With Sergio Perez gone, Liam Lawson promoted, and Hadjar now in F1, the Red Bull junior pipeline is as competitive as ever.
Hadjar’s first challenge? Beating Yuki Tsunoda.
- If Hadjar outshines Tsunoda, he cements himself as Red Bull’s next in line
- If he struggles, he risks being left behind like many before him
His next big break will depend on how Liam Lawson performs against Max Verstappen. If Lawson falters, the door could open for Hadjar to make a move to Red Bull Racing in 2026 or beyond.
For now, the rookie’s first battle starts in Melbourne—where he’ll have to prove he belongs in F1.
Final Take: A Star in the Making or Another Red Bull Casualty?
Hadjar’s journey to F1 is a testament to his self-belief and resilience. But now, he must back it up on track. With Red Bull watching closely, the pressure is immense—and in F1, only results matter.
If Hadjar thrives, he could be the next great French F1 driver.
If he stumbles, he risks becoming another name lost in Red Bull’s brutal system.
One thing’s for sure—he won’t go down without a fight.
