Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar has been confirmed as the second Racing Bulls driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season, completing the grid for the upcoming campaign. The 20-year-old Frenchman, who finished second in this year’s Formula 2 championship, will partner Yuki Tsunoda as the team undergoes a rebranding from its former RB identity.
Hadjar’s promotion follows Liam Lawson’s move to the senior Red Bull team to replace Sergio Perez. After an impressive F2 season with four race wins and consistent performances, Hadjar becomes the 19th graduate from the Red Bull Junior Programme to step into an F1 seat.
“I’m very excited to step into my new role at VCARB,” Hadjar said, referencing the team’s new name. “This is huge for myself, my family, and everyone who has supported me. It’s the dream I’ve been working toward my whole life.”
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he added, “I feel like I’m stepping into a whole new universe. Driving a faster car and competing with the best drivers in the world will be a steep learning curve, but I’m ready to work hard. I’m also looking forward to working with Yuki, who has been a great role model for me within the Red Bull program.”
Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies praised Hadjar’s development, stating, “[His] journey to Formula 1 has been outstanding. He has shown remarkable growth and delivered impressive results in junior single-seater categories. We believe he has the talent and determination to make an impact at the highest level.”
Hadjar’s entry marks a significant change in F1’s 2025 grid, with multiple new drivers making their debut. Alongside Hadjar, Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Oliver Bearman (Haas), and Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) have graduated from F2. Meanwhile, Jack Doohan, formerly of F2, has secured an Alpine seat, and Liam Lawson is set for his first full F1 season after several cameo appearances.
The 2025 season also features remarkable stability for only two teams—McLaren and Aston Martin—who will field unchanged driver lineups from 2024. With such a dynamic shuffle across the grid, fans can expect fresh talent and fierce competition in the new season.
