Hadjar reveals mom knew of Red Bull promotion before him
Isack Hadjar admits his mother, who acts as his manager, knew about his Red Bull promotion before he did. The Frenchman expressed disbelief and excitement about racing alongside Max Verstappen.
Isack Hadjar has revealed a humorous twist to his recent Red Bull promotion: his mother knew about the news before he did. As his manager, she received the official call first, leaving the young driver to process the shock of joining the senior team alongside Max Verstappen.
Why it matters:
Hadjar’s promotion marks a massive career leap, placing him directly in the spotlight against a four-time world champion. His elevation highlights the intense pressure and ruthless selection process within the Red Bull junior program, setting the stage for a high-stakes 2025 season as he attempts to fill the seat vacated by Yuki Tsunoda.
The details:
- Family Business: Speaking on the Talking Bulls podcast, Hadjar shared that his immediate reaction was to call his mother, only to discover she was already informed. "She said she actually got the phone call before I did. She knew before me because she’s my manager—and she knows more than I do," he explained.
- Imposter Syndrome: The Frenchman admitted he is still grappling with the reality of his new position. "Sometimes I’m like, ‘What the hell am I doing here?’ It feels so far removed from my go-kart days," he said, acknowledging the surreal nature of his ascent.
- The Selection Process: Hadjar recognizes that raw talent alone was insufficient to secure the seat. "You need everything to align perfectly. Being good is not enough," he stated, emphasizing the precise combination of luck and skill required to reach the pinnacle.
- The Verstappen Challenge: Facing Max Verstappen is a daunting task, one that recent history suggests is incredibly difficult. However, Hadjar views the opportunity as a "privilege" rather than a burden, signaling a confident mindset heading into his rookie campaign.
Looking Ahead:
As Hadjar prepares for his first season in a top-tier car, the paddock will be watching closely to see how he handles the unique pressure of the Red Bull environment. While the jump to the senior team is a dream realized, the reality of competing against Verstappen will serve as the ultimate test of his readiness for Formula 1.