Isack Hadjar’s Path to Formula 1: Assessing the Red Bull Junior’s Potential
Formula 2 driver Isack Hadjar has emerged as a significant figure in the Red Bull Racing driver development pipeline, with F1 broadcaster Will Buxton recently highlighting his competitive nature. While speculation regarding Max Verstappen’s future teammates remains a constant fixture of the Formula 1 paddock, Hadjar currently competes in the FIA Formula 2 Championship for Campos Racing, aiming to secure a path to the premier class.
The Context of Will Buxton’s Comments
The comparison between Isack Hadjar and former Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo surfaced during discussions regarding the future of the Red Bull junior program. Will Buxton, a lead presenter for Formula 1’s official digital channels, noted the intensity Hadjar brings to his racing. This assessment centers on the young Frenchman’s performance in the junior categories, where he has demonstrated a high level of aggression and racecraft.
It is important to clarify that this comparison is a subjective evaluation of driving style and competitive hunger rather than a direct measurement of performance against Max Verstappen. As of the 2024 season, Hadjar has not participated in a Formula 1 Grand Prix, nor has he served as a full-time teammate to the three-time world champion.
Hadjar’s Performance in the Formula 2 Championship
Isack Hadjar’s standing within the Red Bull Junior Team is bolstered by his current trajectory in Formula 2. Throughout the 2024 season, Hadjar has been a consistent frontrunner, fighting for the championship title alongside drivers like Gabriel Bortoleto.
According to official FIA Formula 2 standings, Hadjar has secured multiple feature and sprint race victories, showcasing his ability to manage tire degradation and execute high-pressure overtakes. His progression follows a standard path for Red Bull-backed drivers:
* Formula 3 (2022): Finished fourth in the standings with Hitech Grand Prix.
* Formula 2 (2023): Competed for Hitech Pulse-Eight, finishing 14th overall.
* Formula 2 (2024): Promoted to a leading role with Campos Racing, establishing himself as a primary title contender.
Red Bull’s Driver Development Strategy
The Red Bull Racing organization, led by advisor Helmut Marko, is known for its rigorous evaluation of young talent. The team’s history includes promoting drivers directly from its junior program into the senior team, most notably Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and Daniel Ricciardo.
Hadjar’s inclusion in the conversation regarding future F1 seats reflects the limited number of vacancies within the Red Bull family. With Sergio Perez confirmed at Red Bull Racing and drivers like Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson competing for positions at the junior team, RB, the path to a seat is highly competitive. Hadjar’s primary goal remains securing a seat in the 2025 or 2026 grid, a prospect that depends heavily on his final standing in the current F2 season and the team’s long-term strategic planning.
Future Outlook
The comparison to Ricciardo serves as a marker of the high expectations placed upon Hadjar. While Ricciardo remains one of the few drivers to have consistently challenged Verstappen during their time together at Red Bull (2016–2018), Hadjar must first demonstrate his capability in a Formula 1 cockpit.
As the 2024 season nears its conclusion, all eyes remain on Hadjar’s championship battle. His ability to maintain consistency under the pressure of a title fight will be the final metric used by Red Bull management to determine if he is ready for the transition to Formula 1.