Racing Bulls enters Melbourne with doubts, while rookie Isack Hadjar prepares for a challenging debut in Formula 1’s demanding 24-race season.
Racing Bulls is kicking off the season in Melbourne, but optimism is in short supply. The car hasn’t shown the expected performance, and winter testing only raised more concerns.
Yet, no amount of uncertainty can overshadow the sheer excitement Isack Hadjar will feel when the lights go out on Sunday, marking his official debut in Formula 1.
Pressure or Excitement?
Hadjar is stepping into the unknown, but he’s embracing the moment:
“It’s amazing to be heading all the way to Australia for my first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix. I’ve been dreaming of this for so long, and I can’t wait to get on track Friday to see where we stand.”
“Physically, I’m ready. I put in a lot of work over the winter, including a training camp in Qatar. Testing in Bahrain went well, and I felt strong. The preparation with the team has been intense—plenty of simulator work and smooth test sessions. Now, I’m ready to go.”
Tsunoda Ready to Lead
Yuki Tsunoda, now the senior driver at Racing Bulls, is coming into the season fully prepared. The Japanese driver has put himself through a rigorous training program to handle both the time difference and the Australian summer heat.
“I arrived last Saturday and spent a few days in a house by the beach, balancing training, rest, and adjusting to the time zone. The heat will be a big factor this weekend, so it was important to get used to it.”
“It was a nice little break—I love spending time in Australia. People are super welcoming, and the breakfasts are amazing! I also enjoy being outdoors, and the hikes here are incredible. It was a great way to reset before the season kicks off.”
“Now, I’m ready for Albert Park. I’ve had some good weekends here before, and a strong first race always gives you that extra boost for the rest of the season.”
Racing Bulls Still Playing Catch-Up
Team principal Laurent Mekies knows there’s a long road ahead. Racing Bulls is still far from where it wants to be, but he remains hopeful.
“The last time we were supposed to start the season in Melbourne was 2020… but the race never happened. The pandemic changed everything. But F1 and the teams showed resilience, adaptability, and determination, becoming one of the first sports to return safely. We’ll need those same qualities this year as we take on a 24-race season.”
“Over the winter, we did everything possible to be ready, both in Italy and the UK. The move from Bicester to our new state-of-the-art facility in Milton Keynes went smoothly, and the testing in Sakhir gave us plenty of data. It’s proof of the hard work we’ve put in these past months.”
“That said, we still have a lot to do. Right now, it’s tough to know exactly where we stand against other teams. The unusually cold and even damp conditions in Bahrain made it difficult to get a clear picture.”
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Backing Hadjar for the Challenge
Despite the challenges, Mekies is fully behind Hadjar as he takes his first steps in F1.
“Starting the season with a rookie is part of our DNA, and Isack has already shown that he learns as fast as he drives. He’ll gain a lot from working alongside Yuki, who impressed us last season. And we know there’s still so much more to come from him.”
The road ahead won’t be easy for Racing Bulls, but the team is ready to fight. Melbourne will be the first real test.
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Hadjar’s Big Test: Racing Bulls Faces Tough F1 Debut Hadjar’s Big Test: Racing Bulls Faces Tough F1 Debut Hadjar’s Big Test: Racing Bulls Faces Tough F1 Debut
