Isack Hadjar is set to make his Formula 1 debut as Yuki Tsunoda’s new teammate at Visa Cash App RB for the 2025 F1 season.
Born on September 28, 2004, in Paris, France, Hadjar’s journey from karting to the pinnacle of motorsport is a testament to his dedication, talent, and the support of his family.
As he prepares to make his 2025 F1 debut as Yuki Tsunoda’s new teammate at Visa Cash App RB, we take a closer look at Isack Hadjar’s remarkable rise through the ranks and what lies ahead for the promising young driver.
Early Life and Karting
Isack Hadjar was born on September 28, 2004, in Paris, France and holds dual French-Algerian citizenship but races under the French flag. His journey into motorsport began at the tender age of seven when he started karting in 2012.
Hadjar’s passion for racing was ignited by watching Formula 1 races with his father and was further fueled by the animated film “Cars.” Despite coming from a family of professionals—his parents are doctors and physicists—Hadjar’s family fully supported his ambitions in racing.
During his early karting years, Isack Hadjar competed in various national and international championships. Notably, he finished seventh in the National Series Karting in 2018 and sixth in the Coupe de France that same year.
Hadjar faced challenges due to limited resources as his father – Yassine Hadjar – often served as his mechanic, but nevertheless, the young driver showcased natural talent and determination.
Transition to Single-Seater Racing
In 2019, Isack Hadjar made his single-seater debut in the French F4 Championship. His rookie season was marked by a significant achievement: securing one race victory at Spa-Francorchamps and finishing seventh overall in the standings.
This initial success laid the groundwork for his subsequent rise through the ranks as the following year proved pivotal as he continued to improve his performance.
In 2020, he claimed three victories and finished third overall in the French F4 series. His consistent results caught the attention of motorsport scouts and marked him as a driver to watch.
Climbing the Ranks: Formula Regional European Championship
Isack Hadjar’s ascent continued as he stepped up to the Formula Regional European Championship in 2021 with R-ace GP. He achieved two wins and five podiums during this season, finishing fifth overall in a highly competitive field.
Hadjar also participated in the F3 Asian Championship in the same year, where he secured sixth place overall with five podium finishes.
His performances during this season solidified his reputation as a talented driver capable of competing at higher levels and his success in junior categories caught the eye of Red Bull Racing’s talent scouts.
Breakthrough Year: FIA Formula 3
Isack Hadjar’s move to FIA Formula 3 with Hitech Grand Prix in 2022 marked a turning point in his career. He quickly established himself as a title contender by winning on debut in Bahrain.
Over the season, he claimed three victories, including an impressive performance at Spielberg under challenging wet conditions. Ultimately, Hadjar finished fourth in the championship after an intense battle that showcased his racecraft and composure under pressure.
The impressive performance led to Hadjar’ being’s recognition as one of Red Bull’s promising young talents within their Junior Program—a prestigious group that has produced several successful F1 drivers.
Advancing to FIA Formula 2
In 2023, Isack Hadjar advanced to FIA Formula 2 with Hitech Pulse-Eight but faced challenges during his rookie season, finishing 14th overall with one sprint race win at Zandvoort marking his highlight for the year.
However, this experience provided Hadjar with valuable insights into F2 competition dynamics and the following year proved transformative as he joined Campos Racing for his second season in the series.
In 2024, he secured four feature race victories—more than any other driver—at iconic tracks such as Melbourne, Imola, Silverstone, and Spa-Francorchamps.
Hadjar’s consistent performances kept him in title contention until the final round in Abu Dhabi; despite narrowly missing out on the championship title to Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto—who will also make his F1 debut—he finished as runner-up in the standings with a total of 192 points.
His standout performances earned him accolades such as the Aramco Best Performance Award for his Melbourne weekend performance and solidified his status as one of the top prospects for Formula 1.
Call-Up to Formula 1
On December 20, 2024, Isack Hadjar received exciting news: he had been promoted to Formula 1 with VCARB Racing Bulls for the 2025 F1 season. This announcement marked a significant milestone as he became the 19th driver from Red Bull’s renowned junior program to make it to F1.
Hadjar expressed his excitement about joining Visa Cash App RB alongside Yuki Tsunoda: “I’m very excited to step into my new role at VCARB; this is huge for myself, my family, and all the people who have believed in me from the beginning.
“The journey from karting through the ranks of single-seaters to now being in Formula One is the moment I’ve been working towards my whole life; it is the dream.”
His promotion came on the heels of several strategic moves within Red Bull Racing. With Liam Lawson stepping up to replace axed Sergio Perez at the senior outfit, Yuki Tsunoda’s new teammate at Visa Cash App RB needed to be determined, presenting Hadjar with an opportunity that many young drivers aspire to achieve.
What Lies Ahead: Expectations for Hadjar
As Isack Hadjar prepares for his Formula 1 debut, expectations are high not only from fans but also from team management.
Visa Cash App RB Team Principal Laurent Mekies expressed confidence in Hadjar’s abilities: “Isack’s path to Formula 1 has been remarkable. He has demonstrated significant progress with commendable performances in junior single-seater categories.”
Hadjar will face unique challenges as he transitions from F2 to F1. The jump involves adapting to faster cars and competing against some of the best drivers globally. However, his track record suggests that he possesses both the skill and determination necessary for success at this level.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
Isack Hadjar’s journey from karting to Formula 1 is an inspiring story of perseverance and talent. As he embarks on this new chapter as Yuki Tsunoda’s new teammate at Visa Cash App RB, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his growth and contributions on one of motorsport’s biggest stages.
With a strong foundation built through years of hard work and dedication, Isack Hadjar stands poised not only to make an impact but also potentially carve out a legacy within Formula 1—a testament that dreams can indeed come true with determination and support.
