Isack Hadjar “at ease” in Max Verstappen’s Red Bull in Abu Dhabi

A car that suits him?

As the 2024 season concluded in Abu Dhabi, teams participated last week in the traditional end-of-season tests. It was an opportunity for some teams to have their young drivers on the track, like Red Bull. The Austrian team indeed gave one of its two seats to Isack Hadjar. The Frenchman once again had the chance to test Max Verstappen’s car after replacing the Dutchman during the first free practice session at the Yas Marina circuit. It was an opportunity the Formula 2 driver did not waste.

A single-seater pleasant to drive according to Isack Hadjar

For many years, there has been much speculation regarding the second seat at Red Bull, with a car allegedly different from Verstappen’s. The performances of Gasly and Albon in 2019 and 2020 fueled these rumors, which have been brought up again in the past two seasons concerning Sergio Perez. The Mexican had stated earlier in the season that the improvements made by Red Bull had made his car more difficult to drive and less performant. These claims were denied by Isack Hadjar, the Frenchman having enjoyed his time behind the wheel, with 125 laps on the counter.

« Honestly, I found the car incredible to drive. I felt comfortable right away with the car, » said Campos driver to Sky F1’s microphone. « Because, you know, I’m still new to this environment, and every time I get into an F1, it’s really special. » The Frenchman also wanted to mention the differences with a Formula 2 car and thanked Red Bull for giving him the chance to drive the four-time world champion’s RB19.

« These cars are a bit absurd at high speed, almost unreal, and even though I’m still in the learning phase, I felt there were a few points to improve in the slow corners. But I really felt comfortable, especially on the long stints. I would say it was a true privilege to be in his seat, the world champion’s, and I hope I can do it again soon. » A way for the junior driver of the Milton Keynes team to become familiar with a Formula 1, in the hope of accessing it soon.

The Red Bull academy driver also reflected on his Formula 2 season. He did not hide his disappointment after losing the title due to a problem during the last race of the season. Ultimately finishing second in the championship, 22.5 points behind the winner Gabriel Bortoleto, the Frenchman mainly discussed the challenges of driving in both F1 and F2 during the same race weekend. « Honestly, yesterday was really tough, having to switch from F2 to F1 and then back to F2. And the most difficult part was readjusting to the F2 car. »

« Yesterday, I did, to be honest, a lot of laps in F1. I was really comfortable with the car by the end. And having to go back to F2 was too different. In F2, you have two quick laps to get familiar, then you have to give everything on the first flying lap of the second stint. I think it wasn’t enough for me. I gave my best, a tenth off pole, so it was a good effort, but not enough. »

Despite losing the Formula 2 title, the French driver could still join his Brazilian rival in Formula 1 as early as next year. Liam Lawson is expected to be announced in the coming days at Red Bull in place of Sergio Perez. A choice that opens up a spot at Racing Bulls. While the Faenza team has not yet made a decision, Hadjar seems to be the favored candidate. A decision that would result in three Frenchmen on the starting grid, a first since 2020.