Isack Hadjar’s Rise: Red Bull’s ‘Little Prost’ Makes His Case for the Big Step
Isack Hadjar’s Breakthrough: Red Bull’s Rising Star and ‘Little Prost’ in Formula 1
At just 20 years old, Isack Hadjar's Formula 1 debut podium at the Dutch Grand Prix has made waves in the racing world. The French rookie showcased immense skill, securing third place for Red Bull’s junior team Racing Bulls, aided by Lando Norris’ last-lap retirement drama. His impressive performance sparked renewed attention from Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s iconic talent scout, who doubled down on the nickname he coined for Hadjar early in his career: "Little Prost."
Marko has long seen Hadjar's potential to shine. Speaking to Sky Sports News, he confidently stated, “We chose him, so we knew he’s something special. I call him the 'little Prost,' the new one.” Paralleling the precision-driven approach of four-time world champion Alain Prost, the nickname was initially met with skepticism. Marko now relishes the validation brought on by Hadjar’s breakout race.
“In the early stage, people were laughing, like, often ... but now he delivered,” Marko said. “What’s also impressive is that if he comes to a new Formula 1 circuit, after three laps he’s competitive. Or on Friday, with all the engine problems, he wasn’t affected by them. He said, ‘I know where I have the speed, and I’ll qualify top five.’ He promised that.” Marko added that Hadjar’s self-confidence and mental fortitude make him stand out among other rookies in the F1 field.
Could Isack Hadjar Earn a Red Bull Racing Seat Next Season?
Hadjar’s debut podium has sparked heavy speculation about his next move. The Red Bull Racing driver lineup for next season remains uncertain, with Sergio Pérez encountering form struggles that have put the future of Verstappen’s teammate under scrutiny. Naturally, this has prompted conversations about whether Hadjar might soon make the leap to the senior team alongside F1 champion Max Verstappen.
When asked about Hadjar’s future at Red Bull, Marko stayed tight-lipped. “We will decide that later,” he said with a grin, leaving fans guessing about whether the young Frenchman could secure one of the most coveted seats in Formula 1.
Challenges in Red Bull's Development Pipeline: Recent Struggles
The Red Bull driver development program, which has historically groomed talents like Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo, hasn’t produced a seamless transition to the senior squad in recent years. Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon faltered under the pressure of partnering Verstappen, leading the team to rely on external signings. This year, Liam Lawson, another academy graduate, briefly replaced Sergio Pérez before relinquishing his seat after two races.
Lawson handed the baton to Yuki Tsunoda, who races for the Red Bull junior team Racing Bulls. However, Tsunoda’s lackluster results, combined with Red Bull’s impending split from his major sponsor Honda, have raised doubts about his long-term prospects. Honda provided Red Bull with financial incentives to boost Tsunoda’s career, particularly during Japan's Grand Prix this year—but this arrangement may soon be over.
Formula 2 Star Arvid Lindblad: Another Emerging Talent
While Hadjar’s star continues to rise, Arvid Lindblad, another promising Red Bull junior driver, is commanding attention in Formula 2. Lindblad is currently the F2 championship leader and appears to be a top contender for a Racing Bulls promotion next season. Should Yuki Tsunoda exit, Lindblad may claim the vacated seat, although Lawson could remain in F1’s junior tier without advancing alongside Verstappen.
Can Isack Hadjar Handle the Pressure of Partnering Verstappen?
Isack Hadjar’s stellar showing at Zandvoort has solidified his place as Red Bull’s next potential golden boy, but stepping into the senior team’s intense spotlight alongside Max Verstappen will be a daunting challenge. Hadjar’s technical ability, approach to new circuits, and confidence recall the methods of a young Alain Prost—a driver Marko believes Hadjar is modeled after. But the question remains whether he can thrive as Verstappen’s teammate, arguably the hardest seat in Formula 1.
Red Bull’s leadership, including Marko, must weigh Hadjar’s potential against the mounting pressure of competing at the highest level. While Marko has remained coy on his plans, one thing is certain: Hadjar’s podium has made him impossible to ignore. With whispers of a promotion gaining steam, the racing community will be watching closely to see if Red Bull’s "little Prost" can make his leap into Formula 1’s top tier.
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