Isack Hadjar has officially been announced as the newest Visa Cash App RB driver in a significant move that completes the 2025 F1 grid, as the young driver prepares to make his Formula 1 debut.
This announcement follows a series of strategic changes within Red Bull Racing, particularly after the departure of Sergio Perez and the promotion of Liam Lawson to the main Red Bull team.
Isack Hadjar’s ascension to F1 marks a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career, as he transitions from a successful stint in Formula 2 to the pinnacle of motorsport.
Hadjar, a French-Algerian driver born on September 28, 2004, in Paris, has demonstrated remarkable talent and resilience throughout his racing journey.
His promotion comes on the heels of an impressive second-place finish in the 2024 Formula 2 championship, where he showcased his potential by leading the standings for a considerable duration before ultimately finishing behind Gabriel Bortoleto, who also joins the 2025 F1 grid with Sauber.
Isack Hadjar will be racing with the number 6 on his car, a number that has not been seen in F1 since it was last used by Nicholas Latifi between 2020 and 2022. This choice of number symbolizes a new chapter for Hadjar as he embarks on his F1 career.
The young driver has already gained valuable experience through three free practice sessions in F1 during 2023 and 2024 at events including the Mexican Grand Prix and Silverstone. These opportunities have allowed him to familiarize himself with the intricacies of an F1 car and its demanding performance requirements.
The announcement of Hadjar’s signing with Visa Cash App RB was met with enthusiasm from both fans and insiders within the motorsport community. He will be partnering with Yuki Tsunoda, who has proven to be a formidable competitor and an asset to any team.
“I’m very excited to step into my new role at VCARB,” said Isack Hadjar. “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 in single-seaters, to now being in Formula 1 is the moment I’ve working towards my whole life – it is the dream.
“I feel like I’m stepping into a whole new universe, driving a much faster car and racing with the best drivers in the world. It’ll be a huge learning curve, but I’m ready to work hard and do the best I can for the team.
“I look forward to working with and learning from Yuki. I’ve always looked up to him, he went through the Red Bull junior programme like myself and we’ve shared a similar path to F1. He’s very experienced and will be good to learn from.”
Isack Hadjar’s journey through the ranks of motorsport has been marked by significant milestones. Prior to his success in Formula 2, he participated in various junior categories where he honed his skills and developed a competitive edge.
His experience includes participation in three free practice sessions in Formula 1 during 2023 and 2024, which provided him with a taste of what it feels like to drive at the highest level. These early experiences are expected to play a crucial role as he transitions into a full-time race seat.
“We’re excited to have Isack Hadjar with us next year, bringing a new and fresh dynamic to the team alongside Yuki in 2025 F1,“ Visa Cash App RB Team Principal Laurent Mekies said.
“His journey to Formula 1 has been nothing short of outstanding. He has shown remarkable growth, with a series of impressive results in the junior single-seater ranks.
“He has the talent and drive necessary to compete at the highest level, and we have every confidence that he will adapt quickly and make a significant impact.
“I believe Isack and Yuki will make a great team. Yuki brings invaluable experience to the team. He’s shown incredible resilience and maturity, which will be crucial for the team as we strive to hit all our aims and objectives in 2025 F1.”
The 2025 F1 grid is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, featuring a remarkable influx of rookie drivers as Isack Hadjar joins fellow newcomers Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, Jack Doohan, and Gabriel Bortoleto, making it six rookies set to debut next season.
This wave of new talent promises to invigorate the sport with fresh perspectives and competitive spirit. Each rookie brings their unique background and driving style, setting the stage for thrilling on-track battles as they vie for recognition among seasoned competitors.
