Hadjar revelation sheds new light on Red Bull seat dance

Isack Hadjar has revealed that he feared several times that Red Bull’s plan to promote him from Formula 2 had changed, resulting in an emotional rollercoaster.

The F2 vice-champion will partner Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls next season, whilst Liam Lawson has been promoted to Red Bull to become Max Verstappen’s team-mate. 

Hadjar had been aware of plans to promote him since mid-2024; however, it was not until the end of the year that paperwork was finally signed. 

It resulted in the French driver fearing at times that Red Bull’s plan had changed, and that he would instead just be given the reserve driver role.

Even by the penultimate round of the campaign in Qatar, Hadjar had yet to sign a contract despite hearing he was going to race for Racing Bulls.

“To be honest, halfway through the season I already knew what was going to happen,” Hadjar told Canal+. 

“But after that, it all went like this (up and down). A few times we came close to announcing, but we know how things can go in this sport. Often things change very quickly and at one point I even thought I would be a reserve driver next year!” 

“My emotions went up and down, but fortunately I managed to stay focused, perform well and show that I have the level needed to drive in Formula 1. 

“In Qatar I already heard that I would go to Formula 1, but it took some time before the contract was signed. Before that it was as good as certain, but of course until you have signed somewhere that is never really the case.” 

Late announcement

Signing a deal so late in the year did cause Hadjar to become uncertain over his future, before signing extensive papers confirming his future.

It was not until December 18 that Perez’s exit was confirmed, whilst Lawson’s promotion was announced a day later.

The announcement of Hadjar moving to F1 then came on December 20, as Lawson’s move freed a Racing Bulls seat.

“Even during and after Qatar, after I had just been told I was going to Formula 1, I hadn’t signed anything,” added Hadjar.

“Sometimes I did think, ‘fuck, something is still going to happen.’ Until a day or two before signing my contract, I honestly wasn’t sure about the situation.

“But then I had to sign quite a few papers, because you never know with the people in Formula 1!”