Red Bull’s latest sensation has emerged, and it’s neither Tsunoda nor Lawson, but Isack Hadjar stealing the spotlight.
- During the Bahrain Grand Prix practice sessions, Hadjar’s performance left a lasting impression while his teammates faced setbacks.
- Despite tech issues and crashes in past races, Hadjar’s consistency and speed have made him a standout performer.
- Helmut Marko is thrilled with Hadjar’s unshakeable composure and surprising speed on track.
- As Hadjar aims for another Q3 appearance, Red Bull contemplates potential changes for its future lineup.
In a surprising twist during the Bahrain Grand Prix practice sessions, Red Bull’s spotlight shifted from its usual stars, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, to the rising talent, Isack Hadjar. Helmut Marko, a crucial figure in Red Bull’s racing circle, exclaimed that Hadjar is the “really big one” for the future. Despite facing competition from Max Verstappen, Hadjar secured the fastest time among Red Bull drivers in FP2, a feat not to be taken lightly.
The Bahrain track proved challenging for Red Bull’s seasoned drivers. Max Verstappen struggled with grip issues, while Yuki Tsunoda’s session was marred by miscommunication, leading him to describe it as “pretty messy.” Liam Lawson had no better luck, calling his FP2 run an “absolute disaster.” Amidst the chaos, Hadjar quietly shone through, his lack of complaints standing out as much as his performance.
Hadjar’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Technical problems and untimely crashes stripped him of 80 points in the F2 championship, a tally that might have otherwise sealed his championship victory. Yet, he remains unfazed and persistent, turning heads with his consistent speed and calm demeanor. Marko praised Hadjar’s ability to consistently deliver strong performances across various tracks, revealing that expectations were high despite his limited experience with Formula 1 cars.
The burgeoning star continues to make waves as he prepares for Saturday’s qualifying session, keeping an eye on his third Q3 appearance. Hadjar’s remarkable stint in Suzuka, where he clinched a P8 finish, showcased his growing prowess. This achievement is a testament to his potential to shake things up in the Red Bull lineup, possibly paving his way to compete against renowned teammate Max Verstappen. For Hadjar, the challenge is both daunting and exhilarating, sparking curiosity about how he might fare against the titan of Red Bull racing.
Red Bull faces a potential dilemma with its current lineup. With Lawson and Tsunoda yet to score points in the second RB21 this season, the team may be eyeing Hadjar as a solution to their driver conundrum. The team’s willingness to consider changes mid-season highlights Hadjar’s impressive entry onto the scene and his growing reputation within the racing community.
Isack Hadjar’s emergence as a formidable contender in Red Bull’s racing team could potentially reshape its driver dynamics in the near future.
