In the high-octane world of Formula 1, where the spotlight often shines on seasoned veterans, a rookie has emerged as a surprising contender this season. Isack Hadjar, a 20-year-old driver for Racing Bulls, has captured the attention of fans and pundits alike with his remarkable performances, prompting Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko to label him the standout surprise of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Hadjar, who stepped up from Formula 2 after finishing second in the championship last year, has quickly adapted to the rigors of F1. Despite a shaky start that included a crash on the formation lap during the season opener in Melbourne, Hadjar has demonstrated resilience and skill, securing his position as the second-highest scorer among Red Bull-affiliated drivers, trailing only the formidable Max Verstappen.
Marko has been effusive in his praise for Hadjar, highlighting the rookie's calm demeanor and ability to perform under pressure. “Hadjar is the surprise of the season,” Marko told Sky Germany. “He’s the one with the fewest test kilometers in Formula 1 cars, yet he’s still racing with Andrea Kimi Antonelli. He’s calm and always there. He had a four-tenth lead over Lawson in the practice session. He’s a really big guy coming up for the future.”
As the season progresses, Hadjar's performances are drawing increasing scrutiny, especially with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding who will partner Verstappen in the main Red Bull team for the 2026 season. Both Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, Hadjar's teammates, have yet to score points this season, making Hadjar's success all the more impressive. His ability to consistently deliver results in a highly competitive environment has positioned him as a potential future star within the Red Bull ranks.
Hadjar's journey has not been without its challenges. Following his crash in Melbourne, he quickly bounced back, showcasing his determination and skill on the track. His first top-10 finish came in Japan, where he also scored his debut points, further solidifying his status as a driver to watch. “Honestly, now that it seems like it's really hard to be next to Max, it makes me want to go even more, to find out why, what's going on. That's still the main target,” Hadjar remarked ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
As the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend unfolded, Hadjar continued to impress during practice sessions. He finished sixth in the second practice session, ahead of Verstappen, and expressed optimism about making it into Q3 during qualifying. “FP2 was good compared to FP1,” Hadjar explained. “I had a good feeling with the car. Still room for improvement, because I would say this was actually our first real session today, so a lot to look forward to tomorrow.”
Hadjar's ability to remain composed under pressure has not gone unnoticed. Former F1 driver Jan Lammers expressed his surprise at Hadjar's steady improvement, stating, “We are only three races in, but if there is one rookie I completely misjudged, it is Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls. Before this year, I said he could face a very tough challenge. However, he has fantastically recovered from his early mishap.”
Lammers noted that Hadjar possesses an inner peace that sets him apart from many rookies. “As if he is not at all intimidated by Formula 1 or by the people around him. You need that kind of demeanor to stand your ground,” he explained, drawing parallels with Verstappen's early career.
Looking ahead, Hadjar is acutely aware of the expectations surrounding him. With Red Bull's notorious second seat often viewed as a challenging position, he remains committed to maximizing his performance. “If the car can finish in P9 or P8, I want to be there, maximize it, not being outside the top 10. If the car deserves the top 10, then I need to be on it,” Hadjar stated, underscoring his determination to prove himself.
As the Bahrain Grand Prix approaches, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Hadjar's performances thus far have not only impressed his team but have also captured the imagination of F1 fans worldwide. With the season still in its early stages, the potential for Hadjar to reshape Red Bull's future strategies in driver placements is palpable.
In a sport where every millisecond counts, Hadjar's calmness and competitive spirit could very well be the key to unlocking his full potential. As he continues to evolve as a driver, the pressure to perform will only intensify, but for now, Isack Hadjar stands as a beacon of hope and excitement for the future of Racing Bulls and perhaps the entire Formula 1 landscape.
Keep an eye on this rising star as the 2025 season unfolds, for Isack Hadjar is certainly one to watch.
