Frenchman Isack Hadjar to replace Max Verstappen at Red Bull

Red Bull has officially confirmed that Isack Hadjar will take the wheel of Max Verstappen's RB20 during the first free practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which takes place in just eight days at the Yas Marina circuit.

This is a major opportunity for the young Frenchman, currently in contention for the Formula 2 title, to show his abilities in an F1 context.

A regulatory obligation for rookies

Red Bull's decision is part of the requirements imposed by the FIA, the sporting authority of Formula 1. Each team must offer at least two free practice sessions to drivers who have competed in less than two Grands Prix in career. While Sergio Pérez had already given up his seat to Isack Hadjar during the British Grand Prix, Max Verstappen had not yet complied with this rule in 2024.

With the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final round of the 2024 F1 season, Red Bull is seizing this final opportunity to respect this obligation. The sprint format of the Qatar Grand Prix, not providing for a classic FP1, had eliminated this possibility for the team.

A great opportunity for Hadjar

Isack Hadjar, a rising star in French motorsport, is considered one of the most promising talents in the Red Bull industry. After a solid season in Formula 2, this experience in F1 will constitute a key step in his progression. He had already impressed during his first drive in F1 with Red Bull at Silverstone.

A change from 2023

Last year, it was Formula E champion Jake Dennis who replaced Verstappen in a similar situation. However, due to the Formula E season opening in Brazil, Dennis was unavailable this year, leaving the way open for Hadjar.

This run in Abu Dhabi could well mark a decisive step in the career of the young French driver, who aspires to join the F1 grid in the years to come. Red Bull thus continues to rely on its pool of young talents to prepare for the future.