Isack Hadjar Impresses in Brutal Ford Raptor Rally-Raid Test

Red Bull's newly promoted F1 driver, Isack Hadjar, traded his Formula 1 car for a Ford Raptor T1+ to tackle a brutal rally-raid challenge in the desert. After a steep learning curve, the young driver showcased his adaptability by dramatically improving his lap times, ultimately finishing just two seconds shy of the benchmark set by a professional rally driver. The event highlighted Hadjar's raw car control and confidence ahead of his first full season with the team.

Why it matters:

This is more than just a publicity stunt; it's a core part of Red Bull's driver development philosophy, fostering versatility across motorsport disciplines. For Hadjar, it's a significant confidence boost that proves his rapid learning ability and raw talent extend beyond the asphalt of an F1 circuit. The challenge also reinforces the strong, interconnected relationship between Red Bull's dominant rally-raid program and its flagship Formula 1 team.

The details:

• The Challenge: Hadjar's task was to get within 15 seconds of the time set by professional rally-raid driver Mitch Guthrie Jr. on a demanding 4km desert course featuring massive jumps and a 12-meter cliff descent.
• Rapid Improvement: His first lap was a cautious 4m20s, but he quickly found his pace. By the end of the session, he had slashed his time down to 3m18s, leaving him just two seconds off Guthrie Jr's 3m16s benchmark.
• Driver's Reaction: Hadjar was ecstatic, stating, "I rarely have this much fun," and calling the experience of jumping the rally car "the best thing ever." He praised the Raptor T1+ for being a confidence-inspiring machine.
• F1 Context: This off-road adventure comes as Hadjar prepares for his rookie season as a full-time Red Bull driver alongside Max Verstappen. He secured the seat after a strong 2025 campaign that included his first-ever F1 podium at the Dutch Grand Prix.

What's next:

While the desert dust settles, Hadjar will now channel this momentum and confidence into the 2026 Formula 1 season. The challenge served as a powerful reminder of the speed and adaptability that Red Bull saw in him, traits he will need in abundance as he steps into the high-pressure environment of being Max Verstappen's teammate. This successful test suggests he is more than ready for the challenge.