At just 20 years old, Isack Hadjar is one of the few recent Formula 1 drivers to secure a seat without having won a single championship. However, as a runner-up in Formula 2, he has more victories than any other driver. Born in Paris with both French and Algerian nationality, he races under the French tricolor for Red Bull’s sister team.
Isack Hadjar transitioned from his karting career to the French F4 Championship at the age of 14. He claimed victory at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps and finished second in the rookie championship. During the winter months, he ventured into the F4 Championship in the United Arab Emirates, before returning to France in 2020 for the F4 Championship. With three victories, eight podium finishes, and two pole positions, he finished third in the championship and closed that chapter of his career.
The Frenchman balanced a part-time seat in the Formula 3 Asian Championship with a full-time seat at R-ace GP in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine. In the latter championship, he became the rookie champion, with victories in Monza and the Principality of Monaco. In 2022, Hadjar made his debut in Formula 3, where he won three times and finished the championship in fourth place.
Most Victories in F2 Season
It was during this time that Red Bull approached him for a spot in their training team. In 2023, Hadjar transitioned to Formula 2. He had a challenging season with Hitech Grand Prix, finishing fourteenth in the final standings. His second season, in which he competed for Campos Racing, was much more successful. In the final race, Hadjar was even in contention for the title.
Just behind Bortoleto, the leader of the Formula 2 championship, Hadjar’s engine stalled. His dream of winning the title went up in smoke, but he could take solace in the fact that he had won more races than any other driver. In Melbourne, Imola, Silverstone, and Spa, he climbed to the top step of the podium.
After Sergio Pérez was shown the door at Red Bull and Liam Lawson was promoted to the seat next to Max Verstappen, Hadjar was the prime candidate to become Yuki Tsunoda’s teammate. Representing Red Bull and Visa Cash App RB, he was allowed to participate in three free practice sessions in 2023 and 2024, during which the Red Bull management saw enough promising signs from Hadjar.
