Horner names the Red Bull junior ‘making a strong case’ for an F1 debut in 2025

Christian Horner has admitted “there’s a chance” Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar could be promoted to F1 with the brand next year, describing him as an “outstanding” talent.

The French-Algerian racer, 19, joined Red Bull’s development programme two-and-a-half years ago, having enjoyed a successful karting career and finished third in the 2020 French F4 Championship.

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He went on to place third in the Formula Regional Asian Championship and fourth in FIA Formula 3 in 2022, before graduating to FIA Formula 2 last year.

Hadjar leads the feeder series midway through his sophomore campaign, winning three races and scoring two further podiums – including a Feature Race victory at Silverstone last time out.

Meanwhile, fellow Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad is enjoying a similarly strong season in F3, with the 16-year-old rising to second in the standings via back-to-back wins on home soil in Britain.

Asked about the junior talent pool and where Hadjar stands in the race for a seat within the Red Bull F1 family in 2025, Horner replied: “He’s doing a good job. He had a good weekend [at Silverstone].

“It’s good to see both Isack [in F2] and Arvid Lindblad win the Formula 3 race. Two outstanding talents that are coming through.

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“So, again, he’s making a strong case for himself next year, which is why we’re not in any rush to finalise seats in the sister team.”

Pushed on whether that means there’s a chance of Hadjar appearing on the grid next year, Horner added: “There always a chance.”

Hadjar’s run at Silverstone followed on from FP1 outings with the then-named AlphaTauri (now RB) in Mexico and with Red Bull in Abu Dhabi last season.

Reflecting on his third outing, Hadjar said: “It was unbelievable. It honestly felt like the first time in the car again and the braking and the high speed in the RB20 are just on another level.

“My last FP1 was in Abu Dhabi and it was quite limited mileage, so it was unbelievable to drive around this iconic and fast track here at Silverstone.

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“It’s been a while since I’ve been in this car, but it is always great to be back with the team and to know the procedures.”

RB have announced one of their two drivers for the 2025 campaign, with Yuki Tsunoda recently re-signing but Daniel Ricciardo’s future yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, Horner described Sergio Perez’s recent form as “unsustainable” after another challenging weekend at Silverstone that has led to mounting speculation over his own future, despite penning a new deal earlier this year to remain alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull.