Isack Hadjar, the latest Red Bull protégé, embarks on his rookie Formula 1 season with Racing Bulls in 2025. He is undoubtedly bringing talent and determination to the grid.
At the age of 20, Isack Hadjar is set to make his Formula 1 debut in 2025 with Racing Bulls. The French-Algerian driver’s astonishing rise through the ranks, backed by the Red Bull Junior Team, makes him one of the most exciting young talents on the grid. From his humble beginnings in karting to securing a seat alongside seasoned drivers, Hadjar’s journey is a testament to his natural skill and hard work.
Early beginnings and a passion for racing
Hadjar’s love for motorsport was ignited at age seven by the animated movie Cars and watching Formula 1 races with his father. Growing up in Paris to Algerian parents, Hadjar comes from a family of doctors and physicists, with no connections to motorsport. His rise to Formula 1 is all the more remarkable given these circumstances. Despite their non-racing backgrounds, Hadjar’s parents fully supported his ambitions. They enabled him to take his first steps in competitive karting in 2012.
Limited resources initially made the path difficult, with Hadjar’s father often serving as his mechanic. Despite these challenges, Hadjar delivered impressive performances, such as seventh in the 2018 National Series Karting. He was sixth in the Coupe de France. These early experiences shaped his resilience and determination. They are qualities that have become hallmarks of his career.
Climbing the junior racing ladder
Hadjar’s single-seater debut came in 2019 in the French F4 Championship, where he achieved a race win at Spa-Francorchamps and finished seventh overall. By 2020, he was making strides, securing three wins and finishing third in the standings. His consistent improvement earned him a seat in the Formula Regional European Championship with R-ace GP in 2021.
That year, Hadjar achieved two wins and five podiums, showcasing his talent on highly competitive circuits. His dominant performance at Monaco, where he claimed pole, victory, and the fastest lap, caught the attention of Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko. This pivotal moment led to Hadjar joining the prestigious Red Bull Junior Program, setting the stage for his ascent through the junior categories.
From Formula 3 to Formula 2
In 2022, Hadjar competed in FIA Formula 3 with Hitech Grand Prix. He quickly established himself as a title contender, taking three victories and ultimately finishing fourth in the standings after an intense battle.
The following year, Hadjar stepped up to Formula 2 with Hitech Pulse-Eight. Although his rookie season was challenging, he secured one sprint race win and gained valuable experience. In 2024, racing for Campos Racing, Hadjar delivered a breakout performance. He achieved four feature race victories and finished second in the championship standings, cementing his reputation as a future star of Formula 1.
Hadjar entered the Abu Dhabi finale trailing championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto, who is also F1 bound with Sauber, by just half a point, setting up the closest Formula 2 title showdown in the series’ history.
His stellar performances throughout 2024 earned him accolades such as the Aramco Best Performance Award for his dominant weekend in Melbourne, further solidifying his place as a top contender for a Formula 1 seat.
Securing his F1 seat
On 20 December 2024, Racing Bulls confirmed Hadjar’s promotion to Formula 1. He will partner Yuki Tsunoda for the 2025 season. It will be a promising blend of youth and experience. Speaking about the milestone, Hadjar said, “I’m very excited to step into my new role at VCARB.
“This is huge for myself, my family, and all the people who have believed in me from the beginning. The journey from karting through the ranks in single-seaters to now being in Formula 1 is the moment I’ve been working towards my whole life—it is the dream.”
Racing Bulls Principal Laurent Mekies expressed confidence in Hadjar’s ability, saying, “Isack and Yuki will make a great team.
“Yuki’s experience and maturity will complement Isack’s youthful energy and ambition as we strive to achieve our goals in 2025.”
The expectations on Hadjar’s rise
As one of the youngest drivers on the grid, Hadjar faces significant expectations in his rookie season. Mekies has set clear goals, urging Hadjar to “hit the ground running” and contribute to the team’s success. Pre-season testing, scheduled for February at Bahrain International Circuit, will be crucial for Hadjar to acclimatise to the physical and technical demands of Formula 1.
Key races to watch include the season opener in Australia, where Hadjar will face the full field for the first time. The Monaco Grand Prix is another, and at a circuit where he has previously excelled. Hadjar will undoubtedly experience a special moment racing in Monaco. The Abu Dhabi season finale will provide the stage for evaluating his progress.
Hadjar’s journey from karting tracks to the pinnacle of motorsport reflects his extraordinary talent and determination. With Racing Bulls, he embarks on an exciting new chapter, carrying the hopes of his fans and the legacy of the Red Bull Junior Team. As he prepares for his debut season, all eyes will be on Isack Hadjar to see how he navigates the challenges of Formula 1 and builds his own legacy on the world stage.
