Rising star Isack Hadjar has set an ambitious goal for his rookie Formula 1 campaign: outpacing his Racing Bulls teammate Yuki Tsunoda. The 20-year-old Frenchman, a standout product of the Red Bull Junior Programme, enters the sport as one of the most exciting prospects after finishing runner-up in the 2024 Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship.
Hadjar replaces Liam Lawson in the Faenza-based squad, joining Tsunoda, who is gearing up for his fifth season in F1. The battle between the two promises to be a fascinating subplot in the 2025 season.
Hadjar embraces the challenge of F1
Transitioning from Formula 2 to the world of Formula 1 is no small feat, and Hadjar is fully aware of the steep learning curve ahead. With a focus on matching and eventually beating Tsunoda, Hadjar sees his teammate as the primary benchmark.
“I know that my experience in F1 is limited,” Hadjar told Canal Plus France. “When I get in the car, I will want to beat Tsunoda. That’s the only real objective I have in concrete terms.”
Despite acknowledging the pressure, Hadjar is determined to channel his competitive spirit into measurable results. “It’s a bit scary,” he admitted. “But I will keep my desire to succeed and win. I also want to channel my emotions.”
Tsunoda: A seasoned adversary
Tsunoda, who has built a reputation as a fiery yet resilient driver, enters 2025 with a point to prove. The Japanese driver has outperformed past teammates, including Nick de Vries, Daniel Ricciardo, and Liam Lawson, solidifying his position as a steady presence within the Racing Bulls team.
Hadjar’s arrival presents a fresh challenge, and Tsunoda’s experience and knowledge of the team could give him an early edge. However, Hadjar’s raw talent and determination could quickly turn this into a fierce intra-team rivalry.
Hadjar’s emotional growth in focus
One area Hadjar knows he must improve is controlling his emotions, particularly his heated radio communications—a trait he shares with Tsunoda during the early years of his career. Racing Bulls team advisor Helmut Marko has already pointed out that Hadjar’s fiery radio outbursts will need to be addressed.
“I know which team I’m in,” Hadjar said, acknowledging Red Bull’s no-nonsense culture. “I know they don’t like the radio button too much. To be honest, I’m scared, but I’m determined to learn and grow.”
A mentor and a rival
Despite his competitive ambitions, Hadjar has expressed admiration for Tsunoda, viewing him as both a mentor and a rival. “I look forward to working with and learning from Yuki,” Hadjar stated. “He’s very experienced and will be good to learn from. We’ve shared a similar path to F1 through the Red Bull Junior Programme.”
The dynamic between the two drivers will likely shape Racing Bulls’ performance in 2025. With Tsunoda’s experience and Hadjar’s hunger, the team could surprise in a tightly contested midfield battle.
2025: A season of opportunity and pressure
As the 2025 F1 season looms, all eyes will be on the Racing Bulls garage. Can Hadjar rise to the challenge and establish himself as a serious contender? Will Tsunoda continue his upward trajectory and solidify his standing as a team leader? One thing is certain: the battle between these two drivers will be one to watch.
