“You never know with these people…”

With the promotion of Liam Lawson to Red Bull, the last piece of the puzzle of the 2025 grid was French since Isack Hadjar was established within the Racing Bulls team, alongside Yuki Tsunoda.

The F2 vice-champion is part of the large wave of rookies or inexperienced drivers who will sweep through the F1 world championship next year. Indeed, in addition to the total beginner Hadjar and a Lawson with only 11 Grands Prix, we will count the rookies Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes, Jack Doohan (only one GP) at Alpine, Oliver Bearman (three GPs) at Haas and Gabriel Bortoleto (rookie) at Stake Sauber.

But while uncertainty has long hovered over the seats of the teams owned by Red Bull, with a situation surrounding Sergio Pérez which remained to be completely clarified, Hadjar has known for a long time that he could have his chance, and since the Qatar GP that he would indeed be a starter in Formula 1. However, the vice-champion of F2 2024 revealed that he was very wary until the documents were signed.

“Honestly, already halfway through the season, I kind of knew what was going on”he revealed for Canal+. “It was a bit like that [il mime des montagnes russes avec sa main, ndlr]. There were times when I was on the verge of being announced… We know how it works in this sport, it goes very, very quickly. Afterwards, we don't see each other in a reserve role the following year… In fact, it's a bit of a yo-yo with my emotions, but I just knew how to stay focused, perform, show that I I have the level to go to F1.”

“I learned in Qatar, actually, that I was going to be in Formula 1. Before that, it was almost certain but as long as you haven't signed anything, it's… It's such an environment vicious, so hard that you tell yourself that at any time… Even, honestly, at one point, even in Qatar, after Qatar, I was told that, but until I signed, I said to myself 'damn, something is going to happen'. Honestly, up to two-three days [avant la signature]I wasn't sure yet. You really had to sign the paperwork, because you never know with these people [rire]so there you go.”