Red Bull have spent the majority of 2024 evaluating their driver line-up. Liam Lawson’s return, especially in the context of his strong performances, could be the first of many dominos to fall. In a background, a driver who has gone almost completely under the radar is also fighting for a 2025 seat – Isack Hadjar.
Young drivers become the priority at Red Bull once again
Historically, Red Bull are a team that have shown immense confidence in their young talent.
The likes of Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen were all promoted within a two years of their debut. In all three cases, Red Bull’s faith was repaid.
However, the Austrian squad have become far more hesitant to give academy drivers opportunities in recent years.
The decision to keep Liam Lawson on the sidelines for the majority of 2024 (whilst not seeing Tsunoda as a viable replacement for Perez) is evidence of their change in approach.
With that said, Red Bull are again showing signs they are willing to invest in youth.
The arrival of Franco Colapinto, who the defending Champions are already showing interest in, could have contributed to this.
Helmut Marko reveals faith in Hadjar
In any case, Isack Hadjar – currently second in the Formula 2 standings – is one of the many promising drivers in the Red Bull academy.
As the team formulates their plans for next year, Hadjar is emerging as a legitimate contender for a VCARB seat.
Helmut Marko told Kleine Zeitung about some of Red Bull’s driver plans:
“Then there is also a test on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, where there are a number of drivers who could be considered for next year.”
Marko was then specifically asked if Hadjar is ready for F1:
“Yes, absolutely. He was faster than Franco Colapinto in all junior categories.”
Only a few months ago, LWOS analysed the very real potential for Hadjar to earn a seat for next season.
With Sergio Perez increasingly at risk of losing his seat, the Frenchman could be on the verge of a golden opportunity.
He will be the first in line to join VCARB if either Tsunoda or Lawson are promoted to the team.
Unless Red Bull manage to pull off a blockbuster move for Colapinto (which is a very tall order), Isack Hadjar could become the third Frenchman on the F1 grid.
