Hadjar on potential Red Bull call-up

Isack Hadjar has said he would be ‘ready’ if Red Bull opted to shuffle their driver line-up for a second time this season.

Hadjar is just three races into his Formula 1 career, but since his formation lap crash in the Australian season opener, the 20-year-old has shown impressive pace and scored points in Japan after crossing the line in 8th.

Red Bull have already enacted one driver change this year, replacing Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda after two Grands Prix.

But asked if he would be prepared to take the step up to Red Bull should an additional driver swap be called for – with Yuki Tsunoda having had a low-key debut for Red Bull in Suzuka, starting 14th and finishing 12th – Hadjar replied: “Of course. It’s Red Bull. It’s the big team.

‘It was a perfect race’ – Hadjar thrilled with first points finish in F1

“Of course, it’s a huge challenge and I’m not really planning on it at the moment. I’m just trying to do my best with what I have. But if I get the call, of course, I would say I’m ready. Even if I’m not, I would say I’m ready!”

One person who was impressed by Hadjar’s Suzuka performance was Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko, who praised the French rookie's efforts.

“I was impressed since the first time he jumped in the car,” said Marko. “His speed surprised all of us, but also the coolness which he showed.

“Fortunately, he got points. I think he would have had points if the strategy had been correct in the last two races, but generally, I’m really happy to have such a new talent in our team.”