'I'm next in line': Isack Hadjar's bid to join Formula 1
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Red Bull junior and FIA F2 driver Isack Hadjar is seldom mentioned as a contender for a seat with Visa Cash App RB for 2025, and yet the Frenchman has his sights firmly set on breaking into Formula 1.
Hadjar is currently embroiled in a fierce battle for the F2 title with championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto, with just 4.5 points separating the two drivers with two rounds remaining.
The 20-year-old, a four-time winner in F2 this season, believes that a strong finish in the feeder series could significantly boost his chances of a promotion to motorsport's elite.
"I would say my chances [of a 2025 F1 drive] are alive, at least," Hadjar told Motorsport.com. "Obviously, it's just not down to me.
"There's a lot going on at RB and Red Bull; anything can happen. And obviously, I'm next in line. So that's just a fact.
"I don't know what decisions they're gonna take, but hopefully, I'm here and trying to be ready for next year in any case."
Hadjar's fate regarding a promotion to F1 is inevitably intertwined with Red Bull's long-term driver strategy. The team has already confirmed Sergio Perez alongside Max Verstappen for 2024, but questions loom about the Mexican's underwhelming form relative to his teammate.
Should Red Bull decide to put Perez out of his misery, his seat could go to Lawson, in which case an opening at RB would be available for Hajar.
For now, it's anybody's guess how Perez's situation will pan out.
Hadjar recognizes that his path to the top may be influenced by factors beyond his control, but he is determined to make his case by excelling in the final F2 rounds.
Formula 2's class of 2024 is widely regarded as one of the most talented in years. Standout performances in F1 by Williams rookie Franco Colapinto, who has turned heads with his rapid progression, and Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman, underscore the depth of talent.
"It shows that our generation is good," commented Hadjar. "For a while, we thought that experience was the main thing, and then you can't jump in and beat the guy that has 10 years in F1 – but in fact, you can.
"If you're fast, you're fast. So they did good for us, showing what the F2 grid can produce going to F1."
©RedBull
However, despite his confidence, Hadjar acknowledges he may not be as F1-ready as some of his colleagues who have already made the jump, due to his limited experience with Formula 1 machinery.
While Bearman and Lawson – not to mention Colapinto – have already gained substantial race mileage, Hadjar has only participated in three FP1 sessions, which he describes as highly restricted.
"I think if I had to jump into an F1 car right now, it would be much more difficult than it was for Ollie or Liam," Hadjar admitted. "My experience so far in F1 has been three FP1s, and the run plans are always quite limited with laps."
©RedBull
However, he remains optimistic about his preparation, citing Red Bull's advanced simulator as a key tool in honing his skills.
"The simulator is quite shockingly close to real life," he added, highlighting how it has been instrumental in his development.
The upcoming races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi represent not just a chance to claim the F2 title but also a critical opportunity to prove to Red Bull that he's ready to make the leap to F1 in 2025.
As he puts it, "If you're fast, you're fast." Now, it's up to Hadjar to show he belongs on motorsport's biggest stage.
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