Formula 2
Why losing the title shouldn't really impact Isack Hadjar's future
© Diederik van der Laan / Dutch Photo Agency / DPPI
The image is terrible. While Gabriel Bortoleto flies away to take the lead of the Main Race on the first lap, Isack Hadjar remains immobilized on the grid. Almost miraculous not to be hit by another driver, like Theo Pourchaire in Saudi Arabia in 2021, after stalling when the lights went out.
In the blink of an eye, the Tricolore understood that the title of champion of F2 would escape him. One prestigious line less in his CV that would have strengthened his candidacy a little more, but which should not have such a big consequence for the next deadlines. Indeed, obtaining the title was not a sine qua non condition to move up.
Isack Hadjar's Nightmare Race 🥺
The title escaped the Frenchman from the start of the #AbuDhabiGP...#F2 pic.twitter.com/JdP4tUShY9
— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) December 8, 2024
Red Bull still convinced
Within Red Bull, Isack Hadjar's talent is no longer in doubt. Under his spell, Helmut Marko praised his protégé throughout the season, not hesitating to point out that he lost " at least 80 points for mechanical problems "A way of exonerating him after losing the title and above all of consolidating him as a serious contender for promotion in 2025.
Red Bull Junior Team director Guillaume Rocquelin is on the same wavelength as the Austrian advisor. In a documentary Canal + dedicated to the pilot, the former engineer of Sebastian Vettel is convinced of its potential. For me the most important thing is the desire and the willingness to learn. Isack has that in him. A lot. And he is ready.. » But will he be lucky?
© Xavi Bonilla / DPPI
Perez more than ever on the way out, Isack Hadjar approaching?
The latest echoes are in any case going in this direction. A few days ago, we confirm that Isack Hadjar even held the rope to make the big jump. At the end of the last Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi, this trend seems to be confirmed while Sergio Pérez has never appeared so close to a departure.
If he had been trying to defend himself with the same and only argument – that of his contract until 2026 – for many weeks, Checo changed his tune after his retirement. We know how difficult this year has beenhe confided. So I think it's just a matter of discussing what's best for everyone going forward and we'll see what happens. For now, that's all I know. »
Through its team principal Christian Horner, who has long supported its threatened driver despite his poor performances, Red Bull has admitted for its part that it made a mistake in extending the Mexican's contract. too early " this year. Thus, a departure of the latter, who could retain a role as brand ambassador, would necessarily suit Isack Hadjar.
To replace Sergio Perez, Red Bull would promote Liam Lawson alongside Max VerstappenThe place freed up at Racing Bulls could/should thus go to Hadjar who would become the first French driver promoted to F1 since Pierre Gasly in 2018, he too a member of the Austrian stable at the time. He would then support Yuki tsunoda. In any case, France seems well on its way to having three representatives on the grid again for the first time since 2020.
ALSO READ > Isack Hadjar after his EL1 with Red Bull: "I was able to show more of what I was worth"
Gonzalo Forbes
In charge of promotion formulas (F2, F3, FRECA, F4...). Carried by the grace of Franco Colapinto.
Creek
10/12/2024 at 08:28 a.m.
Colapinto is, as a driver, much superior to Hadjar. Hadjar himself being much less good than Bortoleto, F2 champion.
DANIEL MEYERS
09/12/2024 at 04:31 a.m.
Perez: 64% of RB's F1 marketing. It is to be feared for Hadjar, (unfortunately a French driver, marketing-wise, it doesn't work) that to compensate a little for this, room will be made for Colapinto to try to keep as many South American fans as possible.