Isack Hadjar targets redemption at Saudi Arabian GP after Bahrain setback

Dominika Jordan
Apr 17, 2025, 12:19 PM ET

Isack Hadjar targets redemption at Saudi GP, confident on Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar is determined to improve after a challenging weekend at the Bahrain Grand Prix. With high hopes for his debut on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in a Formula 1 car, the Frenchman is eager to return to the points in the desert.

Hadjar’s Bahrain outing was hampered by a poor start, even on the softer compound tires, which left him struggling to recover. Reflecting on the race, the young driver admitted to missteps but remained confident that the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix offers an opportunity for redemption.

“Bahrain is an exception in terms of temperatures and grip,” Hadjar explained during a press conference alongside Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso. “On Sunday, we had a difficult first lap, and then the race was practically over. It wasn’t as bad as it looked, but Jeddah should suit us much better.”

Although Hadjar has prior experience at Jeddah in Formula 2, he knows the step up to F1 presents an entirely new challenge. The Paris native acknowledged the vast difference in pace, noting that a lap in an F1 car is approximately 14 seconds faster than in its junior counterpart.

“Every circuit is impressive the first time in F1, but I immediately got into the rhythm on the simulator and can’t wait to drive here for real,” Hadjar said with enthusiasm. He hopes the familiarity with the street layout will help him regain his form after Bahrain’s high-degradation test.

Despite facing setbacks early in his F1 career, including a comical seatbelt issue in Suzuka and a frustrating formation-lap retirement in Melbourne, Hadjar has shown composure and maturity. Known for his ability to shake off tough moments, the 2022 Formula 2 runner-up even joked about the lessons he’s learned so far: "Make sure the belts are tight, but not too tight. Don't go outside the white lines, but also other details."

Hadjar's determination to rebound in Saudi Arabia is clear. With his team optimistic about the car’s performance on Jeddah’s high-speed layout, the inaugural season rookie hopes to make his mark under the floodlights and secure valuable points for Racing Bulls.