In an unexpected upheaval in the Red Bull Racing team, the young French driver Isack Hadjar, only 20 years old, finds himself under the spotlight after a series of dramatic events having shaken the team in 2025. The disappointing performances of Yuki Tsunoda, recently promoted in the main stable alongside Max Verstappen, as well as the internal swirls Pilots, opened an unexpected door for Hadjar, which could well become the new rising star of Red Bull. The announcement of his potential arrival in the main team, although not yet formalized, already makes waves in the paddock and arouses inflamed debates among fans.

Isack Hadjar, Vice-Champion of Formula 2 in 2024 with Campos Racing, made his Formula 1 debut this season with Racing Bulls, the Red Bull satellite team. From his first races, the Frenchman impressed with his speed and regularity, marking points from the Japan Grand Prix, where he finished eighth after qualifying himself in seventh position. Despite a difficult start in Australia, where an accident during the Training Tour prevented him from starting, Hadjar quickly proved his value. His performances, in particular appearances in Q3 in China and Japan, as well as arrivals in the Top 10 in Suzuka and Saudi Arabia, drew the attention of the leaders of Red Bull, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko. The latter, known for his flair in the detection of talents, even nicknamed him “the little prost” for his intelligence in the race and his ability to manage pressure.

However, the context of this possible promotion is far from trivial. Yuki Tsunoda, who replaced Liam Lawson after only two races in 2025, did not meet the expectations placed in him. With only seven points registered in seven races, including an eighth place in Miami as the best result, the Japanese has struggled to adapt to the Red Bull RB21, a demanding single -seater designed to maximize Verstappen’s performance. This situation has rekindled speculation about an imminent change within the team, some reports suggesting that Red Bull could consider promoting Hadjar this summer, before the end of the season. Such a movement would be daring, especially since Hadjar himself declared on the sidelines of the Canada Grand Prix that he felt “not ready” to join Verstappen, preferring to accumulate experience with Racing Bulls.

The “team drama” mentioned behind the scenes finds its roots in the controversial decisions of Red Bull concerning its pilots. Sergio Perez’s rushed replacement by Liam Lawson, followed by the latter’s exchange with Tsunoda after only two races, created unusual instability in the Austrian team. Tensions were exacerbated during the Tokyo show, a promotional event organized to celebrate the partnership between Red Bull and Honda. During this event, Hadjar came close to the disaster by damaging his front fin on a pin turn, but his positive attitude and his enthusiasm were contrasting with the mixed performances of Tsunoda. This incident, although a minor, highlighted Hadjar’s resilience in the face of adversity, strengthening its reputation as a promising pilot.

Fans, divided, follow this saga carefully. On social networks, some greet the meteoric ascent of Hadjar, while others believe that it is too early to propel it alongside a driver as dominant as Verstappen. “Hadjar has talent, but throwing him into the lions’ pit so early could harm his career,” said a user on X. Others, on the other hand, see it as a opportunity for the Frenchman to shine, especially since he benefits from the support of key figures like Laurent Mekies, the director of Racing Bulls, who praises his ability to adapt quickly.

While the 2025 season is advancing, all eyes are turned to Hadjar. His relationship with his current teammate, Liam Lawson, seems cordial, the two pilots who even shared moments of complicity by playing Call of Duty. But on the track, Hadjar knows that he must continue to perform to justify Red Bull’s confidence. With the end of the partnership with Honda on the horizon and fierce competition in the middle of the peloton, the pressure is at its height. Will Hadjar can seize this historic opportunity and mark his imprint of Formula 1? The next races will be decisive for this young French talent.