Just before the turn of the new year, the newly rebranded Racing Bulls team announced that 20-year-old French-Algerian would replace Liam Lawson for the 2025 season.
Isack Hadjar will make his F1 debut in 2025 with Racing Bulls, following a strong 2024 season in Formula 2 where he finished 2nd overall.
In conversation with Canal Plus on his imminent debut, Hadjar acknowledged the overwhelming nature of stepping into F1.
“The fact that I have trouble visualising and having an overall view shows how huge it is for me,” “Honestly, I’m scared.”
Hadjar, who finished second to fellow 2025 F1 rookie Gabriel Bortoleto in last year’s Formula 2 championship, has some experience in F1 machinery. He participated in multiple free practice sessions in 2023 and 2024 and also drove in the Abu Dhabi test last December.
“I know that my experience in F1 is limited,” he admitted. “The field is at such a high level.”
Nicknamed ‘Little Prost’ by Marko, Hadjar has gained a reputation for his aggressive style and emotional reactions on the radio—traits he shares with his experienced teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
“In the end, I know myself,” Hadjar said. “I know that when I get in the car, I’m going to want to beat Tsunoda. That’s the only real thing in the end. Especially in F1, when we don’t all have the same cars.
“That’s the only real objective I have in concrete terms,” he added.
Hadjar admitted that stepping into Formula 1 is a daunting challenge but stressed that he is determined to stay focused and channel his emotions.
“Entering a world like this is a bit scary. But I will keep the desire for success—to win. And to also channel my emotions.
Isack Hadjar has been labeled as ‘Least Prepared’ Among the Rookies of 2025 and pairing with Yuki Tsunoda could pose big problems for RB in 2025.
