Source – Formula1.com
After deciding to join Yuki Tsunoda’s crew at RB, Isack Hadjar will make his Formula 1 debut in 2025 and occupy the final position on the grid.
The Formula 1 grid for 2025 has officially taken its final shape, with Red Bull confirming Isack Hadjar as their newest addition. The 20-year-old French-Moroccan driver has earned his spot on motorsport’s grandest stage, completing a meteoric rise from karting prodigy to F1 racer. After two impressive seasons in Formula 2, Hadjar’s ascent was sealed by a stellar performance with Campos Racing, where he finished as runner-up to Gabriel Bortoleto in the 2024 championship. His promotion marks another success story for Red Bull’s famed junior programme, which has long been synonymous with producing some of F1’s greatest talents.
Hadjar’s appointment comes at a transformative moment for Red Bull’s junior outfit. With Liam Lawson stepping up to the senior Red Bull Racing team in place of Sergio Perez, a vacancy opened at the sister team, giving Hadjar the opportunity of a lifetime. Red Bull, renowned for its ability to spot and cultivate raw talent, saw the young driver as the perfect fit to continue their legacy. He now becomes the 19th driver to graduate from their programme, joining the ranks of icons like Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, and Max Verstappen.
In his first remarks as a Formula 1 driver, Hadjar was brimming with emotion and gratitude. Reflecting on his journey, he described his promotion as “the dream,” a culmination of years of dedication and unwavering belief. He paid tribute to his family and supporters, acknowledging their role in helping him reach the pinnacle of motorsport. For Hadjar, this isn’t just a new chapter—it’s a new universe, filled with faster cars, tougher challenges, and the opportunity to race against the world’s best drivers.
While stepping into the high-octane world of Formula 1 may seem daunting, Hadjar exudes confidence. He is ready to embrace the steep learning curve, working tirelessly to prove his worth. The opportunity to partner with Yuki Tsunoda is one he deeply values, describing Tsunoda as both a mentor and an inspiration. The Japanese driver, himself a graduate of the Red Bull junior programme, brings experience and resilience to the team, qualities Hadjar is eager to learn from as he embarks on this new journey.
Team Principal Laurent Mekies was equally enthusiastic about Hadjar’s arrival, describing him as a driver of immense potential. Mekies emphasized the fresh energy and dynamic partnership that Hadjar and Tsunoda will bring to the team in 2025. Highlighting Hadjar’s remarkable growth through the junior ranks, Mekies expressed confidence in the young driver’s ability to adapt quickly and make a meaningful impact in Formula 1. For the team, the combination of Hadjar’s raw talent and Tsunoda’s seasoned experience represents a perfect balance as they aim to achieve their ambitious goals.
CEO Peter Bayer also weighed in, praising Hadjar’s promotion as a testament to Red Bull’s unwavering commitment to developing future stars. Bayer highlighted the strategic value of nurturing young drivers, not just for competitive success but also for engaging with a younger fanbase. He congratulated Lawson on his step up to Red Bull Racing, affirming the team’s role as an incubator for F1 talent. For Bayer, Hadjar’s promotion underscores the effectiveness of Red Bull’s developmental approach, reinforcing their position as a cornerstone of motorsport excellence.
As the final seat on the 2025 grid is filled, Hadjar’s story becomes one of the most compelling narratives heading into the new season. From his humble beginnings in karting to the pressure-cooker environment of Formula 2 and now the ultimate stage of Formula 1, Hadjar’s journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of opportunity. With Red Bull’s faith in his abilities and a world of possibilities ahead, Hadjar stands poised to make his mark in a sport that thrives on daring and determination.
The 2025 season promises to be a defining moment for both Hadjar and his new team, as they aim to translate potential into performance. For fans, it’s another reminder of why Formula 1 remains the ultimate arena for motorsport’s brightest stars. As Hadjar prepares to take his first steps into this brave new world, all eyes will be on the young driver who dared to dream—and succeeded.
