Isack Hadjar: a future in F1 at stake in Abu Dhabi?
F1. For the last race weekend of the season, Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto will have to compete to win the F2 title. But the Frenchman will also be behind the wheel of an F1 car during the first practice session and not just any car... One thing is certain: the Red Bull reserve driver has a lot at stake this weekend, maybe even his future.
Driving Max Verstappen's F1 car... then going back to his F2 seat to conquer the title: this is what Isack Hadjar can expect for this final weekend of the season in Abu Dhabi. The young driver from the Red Bull program is a reserve and test driver for the team. He will have the opportunity to test the RB20 of the now four-time world champion, during the free practice 1 on Friday morning. But as rumors send him to F1 next year, there is no doubt that this real test will be closely monitored by Helmut Marko and Christian Horner. A meeting he must not miss... while staying focused on his quest for the F2 title.
A struggle far from being won against Bortoleto
Isack Hadjar is only half a point behind Gabriel Bortoleto, his rival for the title. But before Qatar, the momentum was not in favor of the Frenchman: he gained 3 points during the main race last week, and finally got back on track. Because before the weekend at the Losail circuit, the previous races had been complicated. Before the long F2 break, he left Baku with a zero. He also missed a great opportunity to widen the gap in Monza while starting on pole. The common point of his setbacks? Bad luck, brakes failing like in qualifying in Azerbaijan... slowing down the Campos driver. The stars will have to align in Abu Dhabi.
Is Formula 2 mandatory success?
Beyond the result, one can wonder if winning the title is a necessary step for a future in F1. Isack Hadjar has demonstrated many qualities and his talents will not be solely defined by the result of the last race of the season. But the world of F1 has a short memory, and Helmut Marko, his mentor at Red Bull, was adamant about him winning the title just a few weeks ago. So, to increase his chances, the Parisian would be wise to be crowned.
A departure of Pérez that would change everything
It is better to use the conditional when talking about transfers in F1. But more than ever, the hypothesis of a departure of the Mexican seems possible. The rumor is growing, and it would be Liam Lawson who is rumored to be his replacement at Red Bull. This game of musical chairs would free up a spot at Racing Bulls. While Franco Collapinto was initially expected to take the seat, Helmut Marko has cooled off. The mixed performances of the Argentine in the recent Grand Prix races have gradually lowered his rating with the Red Bull executives.
In this big mess, Isack Hadjar could well be the lucky one. In Abu Dhabi, the French driver will have to manage the pressure that will weigh on his shoulders, to secure his first contract in Formula 1.
