Hadjar Shines in Desert Rally Test with Dakar Veteran

Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar traded the smooth asphalt of an F1 circuit for the challenging desert dunes, impressively adapting to a Ford Raptor T1+ rally raid truck. In a timed challenge against Dakar veteran Mitchell Guthrie, the young Frenchman quickly closed a significant gap, ultimately finishing just two seconds off the benchmark pace after initially being over a minute slower.

Why it matters:

For a driver on Red Bull's junior program, demonstrating versatility and a rapid learning curve is invaluable. Hadjar's ability to quickly master a completely different machine highlights his raw talent and car control, reinforcing his potential as a future F1 driver. It also showcases Red Bull's commitment to developing well-rounded drivers through diverse motorsport experiences.

The details:

• The Challenge: Hadjar was tasked with setting a time within 15 seconds of Guthrie's benchmark over five laps in the powerful Ford Raptor T1+.
• Steep Learning Curve: His initial attempt was a 4-minute 18-second lap, well off Guthrie's 3-minute 16-second benchmark.
• Rapid Improvement: The 21-year-old showed impressive pace on subsequent runs, with his final two laps coming within just 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."
• F1 Role Boost: In related team news, Hadjar is set to be assigned 'Woody' as his race engineer at Red Bull Racing. The highly-regarded engineer previously worked with Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson.

What's next:

This desert outing is part of a broader development plan for Hadjar, who is transitioning to a more integrated role within the senior Red Bull Racing team. Securing a highly experienced engineer like 'Woody' signals the team's serious investment in his growth. As the 2026 season approaches, Hadjar is positioning himself as a serious contender for a future F1 seat, leveraging every opportunity to prove his readiness for the pinnacle of motorsport.