F1 Rookie Isack Hadjar Overcame Nightmare Debut; Could Finish Season As Breakout Star

When the 2025 Formula 1 season kicked off, things couldn’t have gone much worse for Isack Hadjar. The young Racing Bulls driver spun out before the race had even begun, on the formation lap in Australia, no less. For a guy many had pegged as “one to watch,” it was a gut-punch of a debut and the kind of moment that can stick with a driver in the worst way. But here’s the thing about Isack Hadjar. He didn’t fold. Far from it.

Since that rough start, the French-Algerian rookie has been quietly, and now not-so-quietly, turning heads. A gritty eighth-place finish in Japan, followed by another points haul in Saudi Arabia, showed exactly what he’s made of. There’s something about how he responds under pressure that’s hard to ignore. He’s not just bouncing back, he’s building momentum. And honestly, he’s starting to look like the breakout star of the 2025 grid.

Why Isack Hadjar Is the Rookie Everyone’s Watching

In a rookie class full of hype and headlines, Isack Hadjar didn’t come in with the flashiest marketing campaign. But it’s his performances, not the noise, that are doing the talking. He’s part of the Red Bull Junior Team (they’ve had their eyes on him since 2022), and his climb through F2 and Formula Regional was steady and impressive: wins, bold overtakes, and a calm, calculated driving style that belies his age.

Last year, he nearly nabbed the Formula 2 title, finishing second. Still, that runner-up spot was enough to land him a seat with Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s sister outfit, and a shot on the biggest stage in motorsport. Even Christian Horner weighed in, calling Isack Hadjar “a raw talent” with “the speed to go far”, though, like any F1 rookie, he’s still learning the ropes of the sport’s maddening technical layers.

But Hadjar’s story isn’t just about lap times and tire strategy. Born in Paris to a French-Algerian family, he brings something fresh to F1, a voice, a background, and a perspective that hasn’t always had space on this stage. His mother helps manage his career. His dad’s a physicist. It’s a grounded, thoughtful kind of support system, and you can feel it in the way Hadjar handles himself, calm, focused, and not easily rattled.

What’s Next For Isack Hadjar?

It’s too early to call the season, but Hadjar’s upward trajectory is hard to miss. He’s still getting used to the quirks of an F1 car, balancing issues, aero grip, and figuring out when to push and when to hold back, but the signs are promising. That 15th-place finish in Abu Dhabi’s FP1 doesn’t sound like much, but insiders saw it for what it was: a driver adapting quickly, and putting in the work.

He’s also earning nods for the stuff that doesn’t always make headlines, like smart tire management and a growing knack for strategy. Those are the little things that separate the good rookies from the ones who stick around.

If he keeps this up, don’t be surprised if he walks away with Rookie of the Year. And given Red Bull’s track record of promoting from within, a future seat with the main team isn’t out of the question. At this rate, it almost feels inevitable.

The Bigger Picture

Isack Hadjar’s story is still being written, but what a first few chapters it’s been. From spinning out in Australia to clawing his way into the points and the spotlight, he’s showing that setbacks don’t have to define you. They can be the start of something bigger.

He’s got speed, smarts, and a story that resonates, especially with fans from regions that haven’t always seen themselves represented on the grid. And that, in a sport still finding its way into new corners of the world, really matters. If you’re looking for a driver to root for in 2025, Hadjar’s a solid pick. Not just because he’s quick, but because he’s got heart. And sometimes, that’s the difference between a forgettable rookie season and the start of a legend.