Formula 1's 2025 grid welcomes an unprecedented wave of fresh talent, with a quarter of the drivers being newcomers totaling just four grand prix starts between them. Including Liam Lawson, rookies now comprise 30% of the field.

Among these newcomers, Isack Hadjar stands out as Red Bull's latest prospect at RB, confirmed just 86 days before the Melbourne season opener. The French-Algerian driver impressed during Abu Dhabi testing, where Christian Horner noted he outpaced Yuki Tsunoda in the Red Bull car.

Despite narrowly missing the F2 title to Gabriel Bortoleto, Hadjar demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude during his championship campaign. After falling 45 points behind early in the season, he staged a comeback beginning with a double win in Melbourne.

"I've always had this approach of getting in the car thinking I don't have the fastest car," Hadjar explains. "Just having to maximize what I have underneath me is really natural to me."

Key challenges ahead include adapting to F1's pace and learning new circuits, particularly during Sprint weekends. The Chinese Grand Prix presents an early test, throwing him straight into qualifying on an unfamiliar track.

Hadjar joins a promising rookie class that includes:

• Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes
• Ollie Bearman with three prior outings
• Jack Doohan at Alpine
• Liam Lawson at Red Bull
• Gabriel Bortoleto heading to Audi

The 20-year-old remains focused on quick adaptation and performance, eyeing a potential Red Bull seat in the future. For now, he's most excited about racing in Japan and sharing the track with Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari colors.

Related Articles

Previous Articles