Dr. Helmut Marko, the motorsport advisor for Red Bull, has lauded rookie driver Isack Hadjar as the “most impressive rookie” in the current Formula 1 season. Given his remarkable performance amidst a competitive rookie class, which includes drivers like Andrea Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes, Oliver Bearman from Haas, Gabriel Bortoleto from Sauber, and Franco Colapinto replacing Jack Doohan at Alpine, Hadjar has made a strong impact.
As the 2025 F1 season progresses, Hadjar has secured the ninth position in the drivers’ standings, accumulating 21 points—making him the second-highest scoring rookie behind Antonelli, who has 48 points and stands seventh overall. Marko expressed his admiration for Hadjar’s swift adaptability, noting that he quickly became competitive at unfamiliar circuits and consistently qualifies for Q3. Furthermore, his engaging personality shines through in interviews, showcasing both humor and humility.
Despite Red Bull’s challenging season, currently positioned fourth in the constructors’ standings and trailing McLaren by 218 points, Hadjar’s promising performance has turned eyes towards him as a potential rising star. The team has gone through changes, including the replacement of Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda after just two races, a transition that has not yielded the desired performance yet.
Commentators have speculated about Hadjar’s potential future with Red Bull. Presenter Simon Lazenby cautioned that transferring to Red Bull could jeopardize Hadjar’s burgeoning career, referencing the struggles of previous drivers like Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly in similar positions. Nonetheless, Red Bull team’s principal Christian Horner reassured that Tsunoda will be given ample time to adapt and optimize his performance.
Hadjar’s impressive debut season has undoubtedly positioned him as a driver to watch, with many optimistic about his future in F1. His ability to thrive under pressure and maintain a light-hearted demeanor sets him apart in a sport known for its intensity.