“I don’t feel ready” yet for Red Bull F1 switch

Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar says he “doesn’t feel ready” to drive for Red Bull’s main Formula 1 team yet and would prefer to continue his current trajectory.

Last year’s Formula 2 runner-up has been one of the standout drivers of the 2025 F1 season so far, currently sitting ninth in the drivers’ championship and scoring 21 of Racing Bulls’ 28 points.

This impressive form has prompted talk of the Frenchman being next in line for Red Bull promotion as early as next year. But with lead driver Max Verstappen one penalty point away from a race ban, Hadjar might even be in the frame for an earlier Red Bull debut if the circumstances require it.

However, the 22-year-old says he doesn’t feel ready yet to take up the seat at the main team, and would prefer to continue his impressive development at the junior outfit instead.

“For sure, I don’t feel ready, that’s a fact,” Hadjar said ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.

“I think it’s good to take experience where I’m at. I’m enjoying so much every weekend, learning a lot.

“It’s a car I enjoy driving, so we’ll see in the future. As a Red Bull Junior driver, the trajectory is normal to go there.”

Hadjar agreed that, given the recent history of Red Bull’s second seat, with his past and present Racing Bulls team-mates Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda both struggling, being handed a premature promotion might not be the best move for his career.

“It’s fair to say that,” he acknowledged. “Because Liam and Yuki are quality drivers, so it’s normal to think that.

“I’m just curious [about] being next to Max. That’s the only thing I can say.”

When asked what he feels he is still missing to be ready for the next step in his career, Hadjar replied: “I think I maybe haven’t experienced enough a tricky car.

“So far, my cars have been very consistent and not the hardest to drive. I didn’t have weekends where the car felt terrible. I don’t have experience of trying to bring a car from zero to high in a single weekend.

“Maybe on the technical aspect as well I can still make progress. Understanding what an F1 car needs to go faster and so on.

“Raw speed, you have it or not, but it’s more outside of that.” 

Watch: He’s Back! Will it be a strong return for Lance Stroll at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix?