Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar admitted it would be scary if Red Bull Racing asked him to race one of their cars as Yuki Tsunoda continues to struggle while Max Verstappen is at risk of getting a race ban.
The crash Hadjar had on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix looks like a distant memory now, as he has bounced back admirably since then and gone on to qualify in the top ten in four races after that (he qualified seventh in Melbourne) while scoring points in five races.
But with Red Bull facing a dilemma as only Verstappen can drive their RB21, and having replaced Liam Lawson with Tsunoda after the Kiwi took part in two grands prix only, Hadjar's name has been on the rise, especially as to whether he would be the solution to Red Bull's problems with Tsunoda, while Verstappen being one penalty point away from a ban only made the speculation about the Frenchman's future.
Facing the media in Montreal, Hadjar was asked how he would feel if he got "the call" from Red Bull Racing; he said: "It’s a bit scary. I wouldn’t feel ready.
“I’m just nine races in and it looks to be complicated when you look at Yuki and Liam, who are very quality drivers, so no, I’m not very ready – but I would always be up for the call that’s for sure.”
"I’m also curious," the 20-year-old went on. "I would like to know what’s going on. I’d love to have a taste of what’s the highest level like as well—there’s Max in the other car.
“At the same time, I’m just enjoying so much my time in F1 right now with Racing Bulls; it’s going well, and I’m just learning a lot for the future and getting ready for the call. That’s it," he added.
Hadjar may not have the luxury to make his own decision
Nico Rosberg, the 2016 Formula 1 World Champion, advised Hadjar to turn down a potential offer from Red Bull Racing.
Hadjar may not have a choice, as when pressed to reveal what his answer to Red Bull would be, he responded: “It depends if I have the choice.
"I’m happy where I’m at, but at the same time as I said, very curious. I haven’t thought about it because it’s very unlikely to happen," Hadjar concluded.
On the other hand, Red Bull's motorsport consultant, Dr. Helmut Marko, was full of praise, naming him the best F1 rookie in 2025 so far.
"I mean, definitely Isack Hadjar," Marko told The Inside Track. "He, for me, is the most impressive rookie.
"He comes to a circuit which he doesn't know, and within three laps, he is competitive. He's a regular Q3 qualifier. And it comes very natural.
"He also proved, in his personality—I heard some of his interviews, which were really funny—and also showing a lot of sense of humour, also about himself. He can laugh," the Austrian added.
Hadjar sits ninth in the 2025 F1 drivers’ championship standings with 21 points to his name.
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