French F1 rookie Isack Hadjar says he’s not ready for a Red Bull seat, despite impressive results with Racing Bulls this season.
Isack Hadjar has made it clear that he does not feel “ready” to be promoted to Red Bull, although he is “curious” about the idea of teaming up with Max Verstappen.
The French driver has been widely mentioned as a potential favourite to line up alongside the four-time world champion next season, having impressed during the opening rounds.
The rookie has become a regular in Q3 and in the points, to the extent that Liam Lawson has been overshadowed by him since his demotion from Red Bull.
Speculation around a potential promotion to the Milton Keynes outfit has also intensified due to Yuki Tsunoda’s recent struggles alongside Verstappen.
However, several voices including CEO Peter Bayer and Nico Rosberg have insisted that a promotion at this stage would be detrimental to Hadjar’s career.
“It’s fair to say that, with Liam and Yuki being quality drivers, it’s normal to think that. But if I were asked, I would obviously do it, I’m just curious.”
“That’s the only word I can use to describe being alongside Max, the only thing I can say. But for sure, I don’t feel ready. That’s a fact. I think it’s good to gain experience where I am.”
“I’m really enjoying myself every weekend, I’m learning a lot. The Racing Bulls car is one I love driving. We are thinking about the future, but as a Red Bull Junior driver, the path to Red Bull is quite natural.”
Many drivers may have been less open and direct when admitting they weren’t ready for such a task, but when asked what motivated his honesty, Hadjar explained that his lack of experience in adapting a struggling car was the key factor.
“I haven’t had enough experience with a car that might be difficult. So far, my car has been very consistent and not the hardest to drive, so I haven’t had weekends where it behaved poorly. I don’t have the experience to take a car from zero to a very high level in a single weekend.”
“So I think technically, I can still improve, especially in understanding what an F1 car needs to go faster. Raw speed, you either have it or you don’t – it’s really beyond that.”
Hadjar has quickly become highly appreciated at Racing Bulls, with Peter Bayer joking that he would “handcuff” him to prevent him from leaving – a comment that delighted the 20-year-old.
“I think it’s a good thing! It just means I’m well integrated into the team. They like me and I’m happy where I am right now, they mean a lot to me.”
“So I can only be grateful and very happy with the current situation. It’s very good for a rookie.”
