Isack Hadjar replaces Liam Lawson at RB

Isack Hadjar To Replace Lawson At RB, Join '25 Rookies

Nate Saunders, Senior Writer at F1, December 20, 2024, 10:00 AM

Isack Hadjar, who finished second in Formula 2, will take Liam Lawson's place at Red Bull in 2025 as Lawson moves to a different team.

Twenty-year-old French driver Hadjar will join Yuki Tsunoda at the junior team. The team announced on Thursday that Lawson would step up to the main Red Bull team to take Sergio Perez's place, who is leaving.

With his entry, the Formula 1 lineup for 2025 is now finalized, as all ten teams have announced their rosters.

"I'm thrilled to start my new position at VCARB. This is a significant milestone for me, my family, and everyone who has supported me along the way," Hadjar shared. "Moving from karting to climbing the ladder in single-seaters, and now being in Formula 1 feels like the culmination of my lifelong ambitions—it's truly a dream come true."

"I feel as though I'm entering an entirely different realm, navigating a much quicker vehicle and competing alongside the top drivers globally. It's going to be a significant challenge, but I'm prepared to put in the effort and give my all for the team. I'm excited to collaborate with Yuki and learn from him; I've always admired him. Like me, he progressed through the Red Bull Junior Program, and we have taken a similar journey to Formula 1. His experience will be invaluable for my learning."

Hadjar became a part of Red Bull's junior program in 2022. His inclusion increases the impressive roster of newcomers anticipated to compete in 2025.

Gabriel Bortoleto, the F2 champion who outperformed Hadjar, will be competing for Sauber. Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to take Lewis Hamilton's place at Mercedes, while Jack Doohan and Oliver Bearman, who both made their F1 debuts as substitutes this season, will race for Alpine and Haas, respectively.

"We're thrilled that Isack will be joining us next year, adding a fresh perspective to the team alongside Yuki in 2025," stated Laurent Mekies, the team principal of RB.

"His path to Formula 1 has been truly extraordinary, demonstrating significant progress through a string of impressive performances in lower-tier single-seater competitions. He possesses the skills and determination needed to succeed at the top level, and we are confident that he will acclimate swiftly and make a notable difference."