F2 Sensation Isack Hadjar to Take the Wheel of Red Bull's FP1 at Silverstone
Excitement is building up as rising star Isack Hadjar gears up to take over Sergio Perez's RB20 during FP1 of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. This opportunity marks a crucial step in the French racer's journey towards the highest echelons of motorsport.
Under current F1 regulations, each team is required to run a rookie driver – defined as someone who has started two or fewer Grands Prix – in two FP1 sessions every season. By meeting this requirement, Red Bull provides a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills. Hadjar, who is currently second in the 2024 F2 standings, embodies this talent with a standout campaign highlighted by feature race victories in Melbourne and Imola.
At just 19 years of age, Hadjar's meteoric rise in motorsport continues unabated. His upcoming stint at Silverstone adds to his FP1 appearances for AlphaTauri in Mexico and for Red Bull in Abu Dhabi last year. These experiences have prepared him well for the pressure and expectations that come with driving F1 machinery.
The British Grand Prix weekend is brimming with rookie talent. Alongside Hadjar, Franco Colapinto will be representing Williams, while Ollie Bearman – who has secured a seat at Haas for 2025 – will also be making another practice appearance. Furthermore, Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan will step into Pierre Gasly's car for FP1, aiming to secure his own spot on the 2025 grid.
A Weekend of Opportunity
For Hadjar, this weekend represents more than just a chance to drive an F1 car – it's a significant nod of recognition from one of the sport’s top teams. Juggling these high-pressure FP1 duties with his F2 commitments for Campos Racing, Hadjar will demonstrate his adaptability and focus under intense scrutiny. It’s an opportunity he’s bound to embrace eagerly, knowing that every lap is a chance to impress.
For Red Bull, fielding Hadjar in FP1 is a strategic decision. This session is an invaluable assessment of how a promising young driver handles the complex world of F1. The team's investment in nurturing talent could well pay dividends in the near future, as these rookies transition to full-time F1 roles.
Meanwhile, Sergio Perez will be looking to reset and find his rhythm when he resumes the cockpit for the second practice session. The Mexican driver is keen to bounce back from a challenging series of race weekends and regain his competitive edge. As he resumes his duties, the team monitors every detail to ensure he hits peak performance levels.
A Glance Ahead
The FP1 at Silverstone is not merely an isolated event. It serves as a glimpse into F1's future – a future that may very well include Isack Hadjar and his fellow F2 counterparts. The British Grand Prix will be a litmus test for these young drivers, each eager to carve out a niche and hopefully a permanent residence in the pinnacle of motorsport.
The motorsport community will watch closely as Hadjar, Colapinto, Bearman, and Doohan make their FP1 outings, scrutinizing their performances and potential. Their ability to navigate these sessions could significantly influence their career trajectories, making this an unmissable showdown of emerging talent.
Stay tuned, because these FP1 sessions are about more than just seat time – they are defining moments for the future stars of Formula 1.