Rising Red Bull star Isack Hadjar has made clear that he would be ready to step up to the energy drink company’s senior F1 outfit and seize the moment, if the call comes.
Just three races into his burgeoning F1 career, the Racing Bulls rookie has already made quite an impression, thanks to his raw speed and strong determination.
However, the 20-year-old’s debut among motorsport’s elite was anything but smooth, having crashed during the formation lap in Australia. But the young driver bounced back with grit and pace, scoring his first points in Japan with a composed drive to eighth place.
It was a performance that earned him high praise from Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed amid ongoing speculation around Red Bull’s driver lineup.
Red Bull has already made one switch this season – replacing Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda after just two rounds. But with Tsunoda finishing 12th on home soil at Suzuka and failing to make a strong case, the door might not be fully closed to further changes.
Asked if he would be ready should Red Bull make another move, Hadjar didn’t hesitate. “Of course. It’s Red Bull. It’s the big team,” he said.
“Of course, it’s a huge challenge and I’m not really planning on it at the moment. I’m just trying to do my best with what I have. But if I get the call, of course, I would say I’m ready. Even if I’m not, I would say I’m ready!”
Hadjar’s blend of honesty and fearless confidence is precisely what sets him apart. He knows the leap from Racing Bulls to Red Bull Racing would be monumental, yet he’s prepared to embrace it in a heartbeat.
For a driver so early in his F1 journey, his self-assuredness is striking.
Helmut Marko’s Seal of Approval
Hadjar's rise is being closely watched by Red Bull’s decision-makers, including Marko. After Suzuka, the Austrian was effusive in his praise of the French youngster’s speed and composure under pressure.
“I was impressed since the first time he jumped in the car,” said Marko. “His speed surprised all of us, but also the coolness which he showed. Fortunately, he got points.
“I think he would have had points if the strategy had been correct in the last two races, but generally, I’m really happy to have such a new talent in our team.”
For Hadjar, the praise is both validation and motivation as he prepares for his next challenge: the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Next Up: Bahrain
This week, Formula 1 returns to Sakhir, just 45 days after pre-season testing illuminated the desert track. For Hadjar, it’s a golden opportunity to measure the strides made by Racing Bulls’ VCARB 02 since those early, imperfect laps in late February.
Fresh off his points-scoring performance in Japan, he’s approaching the weekend with a surge of optimism.
“I’m feeling a lot of excitement going into this weekend and I’m feeling even more confident,” he said in the team’s Bahrain Grand Prix preview.
“Even though we had a difficult test here before the start of the season, I think we made the right improvements.
“Now, coming back to the same track, with the experience we have gained it’s going to be really interesting to see where we are.
“The whole team and I are really confident that we can keep fighting for Q3 and for points.”
With growing confidence, improving results, and the backing of Red Bull’s top brass, Hadjar’s Formula 1 journey is gathering momentum - and if Red Bull calls, he’s already packed and ready to go.
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