Source – Planetf1.com
Isack Hadjar is “certain” to be included in Red Bull’s preparations for Formula 1 in 2025 because Helmut Marko is of the opinion that the leader of the F2 championship “clearly has the potential” to compete in the sport.
The ever-watchful eyes of the Formula One world are now firmly fixed on Red Bull’s latest emerging talent, Isack Hadjar, as speculation intensifies around the team’s driver lineup for 2025. With Sergio Perez securing his seat alongside Max Verstappen for the remainder of the 2024 season, and Daniel Ricciardo staying put at AlphaTauri, Red Bull’s future plans are under intense scrutiny.
Isack Hadjar, currently leading the Formula 2 standings by an impressive 36 points, has quickly become the focus of Red Bull’s development strategy. The 19-year-old French-Algerian driver has been turning heads with his dominant performances in F2, where he’s taken four victories, including a standout win at Spa. His trajectory mirrors that of past champions who have seamlessly transitioned from F1’s feeder series to the top tier, a list that includes Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Charles Leclerc, and George Russell.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has been effusive in his praise for Hadjar, describing his potential for Formula One as undeniable. In his latest comments, Marko hinted that Hadjar could step into a significant role within the Red Bull setup as early as 2025. While it’s still early days, the plan could see Hadjar follow in the footsteps of current reserve driver Liam Lawson, spending a year as a test and simulator driver before a full F1 promotion.
This development comes amid uncertainty surrounding the futures of both Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo. Although Perez has secured his immediate future with Red Bull, there remains a question mark over his long-term place within the team, especially if his performance dips in the latter half of the 2024 season. Ricciardo’s position is also tenuous, with his future in Formula One far from guaranteed, despite returning to the grid with AlphaTauri.
Liam Lawson, who has been biding his time as Red Bull’s reserve driver, is another key player in this unfolding drama. Lawson has been making a strong case for a permanent seat, most recently impressing during a test session at Silverstone and gaining additional mileage with AlphaTauri at Imola. However, Marko has confirmed that Lawson’s contract includes a clause allowing him to leave Red Bull if he is not promoted to a full-time seat by 2025, adding urgency to the team’s decision-making process.
Marko has ruled out the possibility of Lawson being loaned to a rival team, despite interest from Audi, signaling Red Bull’s intent to keep their young talent close. With a decision on Lawson’s future expected in September, the clock is ticking for Red Bull to finalize their 2025 lineup.
In the backdrop of these developments, Red Bull’s broader strategy appears to be evolving. Marko recently revealed that Red Bull’s shareholders are keen to see the AlphaTauri team, formerly known as Toro Rosso, return to its roots as a breeding ground for young drivers. This shift could pave the way for Hadjar to take on a more prominent role within the team, with a view to a future Formula One promotion.
Hadjar’s rapid rise through the ranks has been nothing short of meteoric. His success in Formula 2, coupled with Marko’s glowing endorsement, positions him as one of the most exciting prospects in the sport. As Red Bull looks to the future, Hadjar’s name is now firmly in the mix, adding yet another layer of intrigue to the team’s already complex driver dynamics.
With the 2024 season still in full swing, Red Bull’s driver arrangements for 2025 remain a hot topic of discussion. As the team weighs its options, the future of Formula One could well be shaped by the decisions made in the coming months, with Isack Hadjar poised to be at the center of it all.
