Isack Hadjar: I’m next on the list”

The pressure is mounting within the Austrian team. While many sources mention increasingly advanced discussions between Franco Colapinto and the Austrian group, following in the footsteps of former driver Ralf Schumacher, another driver seems to want to join the negotiations: Isack Hadjar. The Frenchman, second in the Formula 2 championship, confirmed that he would be next in line in case of changes within Christian Horner’s team. A statement that is not so trivial considering the recent performances of the Argentine and the Mexican.

More than satisfactory performance for Colapinto

Williams’ driver, for his part, impressed the paddock by being able, despite his lack of experience in the discipline, to immediately get into the rhythm. In his second Grand Prix, in Baku, he scored points for the eighth place before earning an additional point in Austin. These very interesting results open up prospects for him from 2025, with several teams interested in his profile, like Alpine, which could offer him a seat in place of Jack Doohan, even though the Australian has not yet raced a single Grand Prix with the French team, as well as Red Bull. During the last Grand Prix in Brazil, Christian Horner was seen in discussions with James Vowles, the boss of the Grove team. This meeting fuels rumors of Colapinto’s arrival in the Austrian team.

A disappointing season for Perez

A possibility that could materialize due to Sergio Pérez’s disappointing results. The Mexican has only scored 48 points in the last 15 Grand Prix races, a figure insufficient to allow Red Bull to compete with other teams for the constructor’s title. If the Mexican driver is ejected from the Milton Keynes team, two names seem to be considered: Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto. If one of the two takes Pérez’s place, the other could end up at Racing Bulls. A prospect that doesn’t really please Isack Hadjar, even if the Frenchman says he is happy to see young drivers perform so well.

« I think what Franco and Ollie did is great. It proves that the young generation can rise to the challenge at the highest level. Yes, they are looking for a fast driver, and he [Colapinto] has proven to be one, » he said. « But I have been part of their program for three years, I am second in F2, I am the team’s reserve driver, so… that’s how it is. »

A favorable environment for Hadjar

The Campos driver highlights his links with Red Bull to secure a seat on the next grid. The Frenchman has several arguments in his favor. The Austrian team has repeatedly stated its intention to turn Racing Bulls into a sister team that would help develop young drivers from the academy and then promote them to the main team, which could work in favor of the Frenchman. In addition, Hadjar is having a very convincing season in Formula 2. He has already won four races in the main event as well as three other podium finishes and is currently in second place in the championship, just 4.5 points behind the leader Gabriel Bortoleto, the future Sauber driver. These are elements that give him hope for the future.

« I would say that my chances exist, at least, » he revealed to Planet F1. « Obviously, it does not depend on me. A lot of things are happening at Racing Bulls [VCARB] and Red Bull, anything can happen. And of course, I am next in line. That’s a fact. I don’t know what decisions they will make, but whatever happens, I am here and I try to be ready for next year.

Before that, the Frenchman still has to finish his championship. With two rounds remaining in Formula 2, he would be well inspired to win the title to prove he deserves the second seat at Racing Bulls, as Tsunoda has already extended his contract earlier this season. The former Formula 3 driver has also reflected on his 2024 season, feeling much more comfortable at Campos despite some missed opportunities.

A season 2024 made of ups and downs for the French.

« I felt much more comfortable when working with Campos than back in the days with Hitech. I would say that I have improved a lot by maximizing results, maximizing potential, and making fewer mistakes – and it is evident that the overall outcome was much better. We have had a really tough season so far, with too many breakdowns and mechanical failures. Looking at my championship, I felt that every time we had a good weekend, we were on the podium on Sunday, or we won. That’s why I am very happy with my performance. »

However, the Frenchman is aware that this may not be enough and, despite some disappointment, he is ready to accept not being on the starting grid in 2025. « I wouldn’t be happy, of course, because you want to drive. But if that’s what needs to be done, then I will do it and think about the future. »

The last two Formula 2 races could be decisive for the future of the former Hitech driver. A championship title at the end of the season could open the doors to Racing Bulls for him. To be continued.