Bayer stands firm on keeping ‘great kid’ Hadjar at Racing Bulls

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Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer is determined to keep highly rated rookie Isack Hadjar at the Faenza squad for at least another season, despite mounting speculation linking the French rookie to a move to sister team Red Bull Racing.

The 20-year-old French driver has been one of Formula 1’s breakout stars in 2025, having scored 22 points so far in his debut campaign and sitting second among rookies in the Drivers’ standings.

Hadjar’s rapid ascent has coincided with a challenging season for his former RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who moved to Red Bull Racing after just two races to replace the underperforming Liam Lawson.

Tsunoda’s struggles in the RB21 have fueled discussions about Hadjar stepping into the spotlight at Red Bull.

Yet, Bayer remains steadfast in his belief that Hadjar’s development is best served by staying with Racing Bulls, where he can continue to hone his skills in a nurturing environment in 2026.

“We have strong alignment internally that we need to go through this year calmly, with everyone focusing on their jobs,” Bayer told PlanetF1 as he made his case to keep Hadjar in his team.

“I’m sure that, post-summer break, discussions will start about 2026, but honestly, I dare to say that in ’25, we all want to keep it calm and, talking about Isack, give him the chance to grow, to learn. Honestly, he is incredible.”

A Glimpse of Racing IQ

Bayer highlighted Hadjar’s sharp racecraft and ability to adapt instantly – qualities he says were on display during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend earlier this summer.

“I was listening to the radio when he was coming in, the umbilical in,” Bayer recalled. “His race engineer [Pierre Hamelin] said: ‘Look, Isack, you’re losing about half a tenth in Turn 6’.

“Isack said to him: ‘Can you be more precise?’

“Pierre said, ‘Yes, I can. You’re losing 0.035 of a second in that turn.’ And Isack said: ‘OK, then I know what to do.’ [And he did it].”

Racing bulls CEO Peter Bayer.

The Racing Bulls boss sees such moments as proof that the team has a rare talent on their hands.

“For me, it’s as simple as that – his capacity of driving,” Bayer said. “Honestly, I think we’ll see great things from him.

“His mind is just working, asking, growing. Isack is a great kid. He’s great, but he needs this year with us, and everybody agrees that’s what we should do.”

While Red Bull’s interest is no surprise given Hadjar’s performances, Bayer’s message is clear: the rookie’s future is bright – but his present, he believes, is best served in Faenza.

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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.