Hadjar to run with Red Bull in FP1 at Silverstone

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Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar will take part in Friday’s opening practice at the British Grand Prix, with the F2 racer taking over Sergio Perez’s RB20 in the session.

F1 regulations require teams to run a rookie in two FP1 sessions per season, and Hadjar fits the bill.

The 19-year-old Frenchman is currently second in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, with wins in the feature races at Melbourne and Imola showcasing his talent.

Friday’s FP1 outing will mark Hadjar’s third time in an F1 car, adding to his 2023 appearances with AlphaTauri (now RB) and Red Bull in Mexico City and in Abu Dhabi.

Read also: Horner admits Red Bull need to get Perez ‘into the mix’

Hadjar won't be the only young apprentice out on the track in FP1 at Silverstone.

Franco Colapinto will be in action for Williams, while Haas-bound Ollie Bearman gets another FP1 session with his future team.

Alpine F1 reserve Jack Doohan will also get a shot in Pierre Gasly's car as he chases a 2025 seat.

While juggling his FP1 duties for Red Bull, Hadjar will still have his regular F2 commitments with Campos Racing. It's a demanding schedule, but one he'll undoubtedly embrace.

As for Sergio Perez, the Mexican will be looking to regain his form after a string of tough races.

The 34-year-old was recently granted a multi-year contract extension by Red Bull but if he doesn’t succeed in turning around his fortunes over the summer, the Milton Keynes-based outfit might reconsider its choice.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.