Isack Hadjar, a young French talent in Formula 2, finds himself at a pivotal moment in his career. As the F2 season heads toward an exciting conclusion, the Campos Racing driver, under Red Bull’s wing, hopes his performances will pave the way to Formula 1 in 2025
But with uncertainties at Red Bull Racing and fierce competition among young F2 drivers aiming for F1, the road ahead is far from straightforward.
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Chasing the F1 dream
For Hadjar, the goal is clear: prove he deserves a seat in Formula 1. And if you ask me, he’s already done that this year. With Red Bull potentially revisiting its line-ups for 2025, partly due to Sergio Pérez’s inconsistent performances, Hadjar remains hopeful for a promotion. “I’m in a good position, but it’s not entirely up to me,” the Frenchman admits, aware that the final decision depends on multiple factors. In the meantime, Hadjar is leaning on his experience with Red Bull Racing’s highly precise simulator, though he acknowledges a lack of mileage in an F1 car. “If I had to step into an F1 car now, it’d be harder for me than for others like Liam Lawson,” he admits, pointing out the limited real-world opportunities he’s had compared to rookies who’ve already hit the track this year.
A rollercoaster F2 season
In 2024, Isack Hadjar has experienced plenty of highs and a few lows. After a tough season with Hitech in 2023, his switch to Campos has transformed his performances. With four victories under his belt, despite a less competitive car, he’s established himself as a serious title contender. “I’ve learned to maximize results and minimize mistakes,” he says. However, mechanical issues and challenging weekends, like those in Monza and Baku, have hindered his progress in the championship. Still, Hadjar remains confident: every podium finish proves he’s extracted the most from his package. The championship is tight, and the final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will be decisive. A strong performance could bolster his F1 prospects, but mistakes are no longer an option—and even without errors, breaking into F1 remains a daunting task.
The risks of waiting in the wings
What if Hadjar has to wait another year to join F1? The idea of spending a season as a reserve driver doesn’t thrill him. “We want to be on the track, not on the sidelines,” he insists. And it’s true—history shows reserve drivers rarely make it to the grid, though there have been exceptions. Still, he’s prepared to wait if it means securing a better future. With rivals like Franco Colapinto and Oliver Bearman shining during their F1 outings this season, Hadjar knows the competition is fierce. Yet he trusts in his abilities and his experience within the Red Bull program. Personally, I’d love to see him step up to Racing Bulls, but that depends on Pérez’s departure—and I don’t feel Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, is ready to part ways with the Mexican in 2025. Stay tuned.
This article explores Isack Hadjar’s journey through the 2024 F2 season, the challenges he’s faced, and his determination to secure a spot in F1. With strong performances and a strategic mindset, he aims to prove he’s ready for the pinnacle of motorsport.
Images: Red Bull Content pool
