Isack Hadjar to Partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull for 2025

Red Bull has confirmed that junior driver Isack Hadjar will be promoted to partner Max Verstappen for the 2025 Formula 1 season, replacing Yuki Tsunoda. The move ends months of speculation and places the 20-year-old Frenchman directly into one of the sport's most pressurized seats after just one full F1 season with the junior team.

Why it matters:

This decision represents a significant gamble for Red Bull. It breaks from their recent pattern of cycling through experienced drivers alongside Verstappen and instead bets heavily on youth and potential. Hadjar's performance will be a critical test of both the driver and Red Bull's much-discussed development program, especially as the team enters a new era of technical regulations where a strong intra-team dynamic is crucial.

The details:

• Rapid Ascent: Hadjar's promotion comes after a single season with the Red Bull junior team (currently Racing Bulls), marking one of the fastest ascents to a top team in recent memory.
• Proven Junior Pedigree: His promotion is backed by a strong junior career, including winning the 2022 F3 championship and finishing as runner-up in the 2023 F2 championship, which solidified his status as a top Red Bull prospect.
• The Verstappen Benchmark: The primary challenge is clear. In recent years, teammates like Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, and Yuki Tsunoda have struggled to match Verstappen's pace and consistency, leading to high-pressure environments and, ultimately, seat changes.
• New Regulations Factor: The 2025 season will be run under stable regulations, but 2026 brings a major rules overhaul. Red Bull likely views this as an opportunity to bed in a new long-term partner for Verstappen who can grow with the team through the transition.

Looking ahead:

All eyes will be on the dynamic within the Red Bull garage. Success for Hadjar won't necessarily mean beating Verstappen, but rather demonstrating consistent high performance, contributing to constructors' points, and providing valuable developmental feedback. His adaptation will be one of the key storylines of the 2025 season, determining whether Red Bull has found a stable, competitive pairing or will return to its driver carousel.