Budkowski Questions Red Bull's 'Big Risk' With Hadjar Promotion

Isack Hadjar's rapid promotion to Red Bull Racing to partner Max Verstappen is being labeled a 'big risk' by former Alpine executive Marcin Budkowski. Despite Hadjar's impressive rookie season, which included a podium, the move raises questions about Red Bull's driver development strategy and the immense pressure of facing the four-time world champion. Budkowski suggests the Frenchman, while talented, may have been promoted too soon, a pattern that has rarely paid off for the team's other young drivers.

Why it matters:

The second Red Bull seat is crucial for the Constructors' Championship and team dynamics, but has become a career-defining pressure cooker. Budkowski's critique questions whether Red Bull's junior program truly prepares drivers for the top team or if it's setting them up to fail against an all-time great. The success of this promotion will have significant implications for Red Bull's 2025 title bid and the future of its young drivers.

The details:

• The Core Concern: Budkowski questions if it's "too early" for Hadjar, acknowledging his talent but wondering if he has the mental fortitude for when he "starts to get beaten by Max."
• Impressive Rookie Pedigree: Despite a crash on his first formation lap, Hadjar proved his speed by regularly reaching Q3, scoring points, and grabbing a surprise podium at Zandvoort.
• The 'Verstappen Effect': He becomes the eighth driver to partner Max. With the sole exception of Daniel Ricciardo, every other teammate has seen their career trajectory stall or decline.
• A Red Bull Habit: Budkowski notes this is a pattern for Red Bull—promoting drivers "very, very quickly." It worked for Verstappen but has rarely paid off for others since.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Hadjar in 2025 as he attempts to avoid the fate of his predecessors. The season will be a crucial test not only of his driving ability but also of his mental resilience. For Red Bull, the success or failure of this high-risk, high-reward strategy will be a major storyline, potentially forcing a re-evaluation of their approach to driver development if their latest protégé struggles to cope.