Red Bull’s Sensational F1 Rookie: Isack Hadjar’s Journey to Stardom
In the high-octane world of Formula 1, one name has been making waves and capturing the attention of fans and experts alike – Isack Hadjar, the 20-year-old French-Algerian rookie driving for Red Bull’s Racing Bulls team. Despite a rocky start with a crash in Melbourne, Hadjar has quickly risen to prominence with impressive performances, including Q3 appearances in China and Japan, as well as securing points in Japan and Saudi Arabia. His speed and consistency have already garnered praise from none other than Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who hailed him as “the surprise of the season”.
Hadjar’s journey to the top echelons of motorsport is as intriguing as it is inspiring. It all began with a childhood fascination with the Disney Pixar movie “Cars”, which sparked his love for racing at just two years old. From there, his passion only grew, leading him to karting at the tender age of six. While his early karting years were marked by success, the road became tougher as he climbed the ranks, facing challenges due to budget constraints and a lack of resources to compete at the highest levels.
Despite the hurdles, Hadjar’s talent shone through, with his competitive spirit driving him to push harder and aim higher. His karting days saw him forge a close friendship and rivalry with Sami Meguetounif, now racing in Formula 2, showcasing the camaraderie and competitive nature of the sport.
A pivotal moment in Hadjar’s career came when he transitioned from karting to car racing, a move that proved to be a game-changer. Finding success in French F4 and later in the Formula Regional European Championship, Hadjar’s skills behind the wheel of a car truly began to shine. His breakthrough victory in Monaco stands out as a defining moment, propelling him into the spotlight and catching the attention of Red Bull’s top brass.
With Red Bull’s backing, Hadjar’s ascent continued as he moved up to F3 and eventually earned a spot in F2, where he showcased his talent with impressive race wins and podium finishes. The pinnacle of his journey came with the announcement of his debut in F1 in 2025, fulfilling a lifelong dream and cementing his status as a rising star in the world of motorsport.
Throughout his career, Hadjar has not only honed his driving skills but also developed as a person, crediting his growth to the support and guidance of mentors like Guillaume ‘Rocky’ Rocquelin, Sebastian Vettel’s former engineer. The mentorship and structure provided by Red Bull’s Junior Team have been instrumental in Hadjar’s evolution as a driver, equipping him with the tools to succeed at the highest level.
Despite the pressures and challenges of elite racing, Hadjar remains focused on his ultimate goal – to make a mark in Formula 1 and etch his name among the greats of the sport. With a nickname like “Le Petit Prost” in homage to the legendary Alain Prost, Hadjar embraces the legacy and expectations that come with it, poised to write his own chapter in the annals of F1 history.
As Isack Hadjar continues to dazzle on the track and inspire fans with his meteoric rise, one thing is certain – the world of Formula 1 has found a new prodigy to watch, and his name is destined to be etched in the stars of racing glory.