Speculation continues to swirl around Isack Hadjar’s future after the French rookie outperformed Yuki Tsunoda in his debut Formula One season.
But while Hadjar insists he has signed nothing, he admits the thought of racing alongside Max Verstappen both excites and intimidates him.
Tsunoda struggles, Hadjar shines
Tsunoda has struggled to consistently deliver points since being promoted to Red Bull ahead of the third race of the season. He arrives at this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix with just 12 points and sits 19th in the standings.
Hadjar, meanwhile, has rebounded from a crash in his debut race in Australia to collect 38 points for the junior team, climbing to ninth in the championship. His strong form has fueled speculation that he could be
Red Bull’s next attempt to find a reliable partner for Verstappen.
Potentially Joining Red Bull Scary Yet Interesting For Hadjar
Speaking to Canal+ in France before the race in Baku, the 20-year-old played down the rumors but admitted the prospect of joining Verstappen was both daunting and thrilling.
“It scares me, but it’s also incredibly exciting!” Hadjar said. “Seeing myself team up with Max? Of course! And what a line-up!
“Of course, it’s early in my career, but I may have this opportunity. You give me the same car as the best driver in the world, and he’s right next to me. I have the opportunity to compare myself to him, and I have the same chances as him.”
When pressed if the promotion chatter was essentially a spoiler of his trajectory, Hadjar replied: “You’re not really spoiling, it’s the trajectory. It’s written.”
Keeping focus in Baku
On Thursday’s media day at Baku, Hadjar hinted he already has some idea about his future, before quickly pulling back.
“I have an idea, but…” he teased, before adding: “I don’t care. I really don’t care. I had, like, five days off at home and other things to do than scrolling on Instagram.”
For now, Hadjar insists his only focus is continuing to perform in the junior team.