Hadjar Impresses in Desert Rally Test, Nears Dakar Veteran's Pace

Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar recently swapped the high-tech precision of an F1 cockpit for the raw power of a Ford Raptor T1+, taking on a challenging desert test. Paired with Dakar veteran Mitchell Guthrie, Hadjar was tasked with matching the pro's pace and, after a steep learning curve, dramatically improved to finish just two seconds off the benchmark time, showcasing impressive adaptability to a completely different machine.

Why it matters:

For a driver on the verge of a promotion to a senior F1 team, demonstrating raw car control and adaptability beyond a single-seater is invaluable. This kind of off-season experience builds confidence and highlights a driver's innate talent, which are crucial assets as Hadjar prepares for a bigger role with Red Bull Racing. It also reflects the team's holistic approach to developing well-rounded, resilient drivers.

The details:

• The Challenge: Hadjar's goal was to set a lap time within 15 seconds of Guthrie's benchmark over a five-lap run in the demanding desert terrain.
• Steep Learning Curve: His initial attempt was significantly off the pace, clocking in at 4 minutes and 18 seconds compared to Guthrie's benchmark of 3 minutes and 16 seconds.
• Rapid Improvement: The Frenchman quickly found his rhythm, with his final two runs coming within a remarkable two seconds of the veteran's time.
• Driver's Reaction: Hadjar was ecstatic with the experience, stating, "I rarely have this much fun, best thing ever. To be fair, this car gives you so much confidence."
• Key F1 Move: The test comes as Hadjar is set to move from the Racing Bulls team to the senior Red Bull Racing outfit, where he will be paired with Yuki Tsunoda's former race engineer, known as 'Woody'.
  • This provides Hadjar with an experienced engineer who has previously worked with multiple Red Bull drivers, offering a wealth of data and strategic insight.

What's next:

This successful desert outing serves as a significant confidence booster for Hadjar ahead of his crucial season with Red Bull Racing. The combination of a proven race engineer and a recent demonstration of his adaptability could be the perfect setup for the 21-year-old to integrate seamlessly into the top team and challenge for strong results from the outset.