Hadjar will race alongside Verstappen next year
Grand Prix Photo
Isack Hadjar has been voted Rookie of the Year for the 2025 Formula 1 season by the readers of Motor Sport, capping a breakout campaign with Racing Bulls that exceeded expectations for the young French-Algerian driver.
In a car that was often only a midfield threat, the 21-year-old repeatedly punched above his weight, the clear highlight of his season being his maiden F1 podium finish in the Dutch Grand Prix.
The Zandvoort performance was testament to his racecraft, demonstrating calmness and precise execution under pressure.
While his debut race in Australia was a chaotic baptism of fire, ending with a crash on the formation lap and a non-start, Hadjar quickly redeemed himself.
He became the only rookie in the field to never be eliminated in Q1 throughout the first half of the season, consistently showcasing strong one-lap speed.
His qualifying prowess was evident with a total of 15 appearances in the top 10.
Motor Sport readers chose Robert Kubica’s Le Mans victory with Ferrari as their racing highlight of 2025, capping a remarkable journey of resilience and redemption
Hadjar secured points in 10 grands prix and finished the year with 51 points and a 12th-place standing in the drivers’ championship, outscoring all the other rookie drivers.
His breakout performance convinced Red Bull‘s management that he was ready for the next step, earning him a promotion to the Red Bull Racing team for the 2026 season to partner Max Verstappen.
Hadjar beat Rafael Camara (F3) and Ella Lloyd (F1 Academy) to the Rookie of the Year award, and the decision was announced at a Motor Sport gala event, celebrated racing’s past, present and future.
Next year’s Red Bull driver made such an impression that he’s also on the shortlist for Driver of the Year in our Season Review Awards.
You can still have your say on the standout moments of the 2025 F1 season, and be in with a chance of winning a Pocher Porsche model worth more than £800 by voting now.
