Peter Bayer, the team principal of Racing Bulls F1, has firmly dismissed speculation that rising star Isack Hadjar might switch to Red Bull during the 2024 season. Hadjar, who has impressed in his rookie year so far by outperforming his more experienced teammate Liam Lawson, remains committed to Racing Bulls throughout this year as the team seeks stability amid ongoing challenges.
Hadjar has outmatched Lawson 11-3 in qualifying sessions, including sprint qualifying, and has also delivered stronger race performances. With Yuki Tsunoda facing difficulties since joining Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, some have suggested promoting Hadjar from the junior team ahead of schedule. However, these theories have been rejected by Bayer, who emphasized the team’s unified approach and the importance of letting Hadjar continue his development.
Team Leadership Emphasizes Stability Amid Challenging Driver Transitions
Bayer addressed concerns of a potential mid-season shift, explaining the organizational intent to maintain a calm and focused environment for 2024. He acknowledged that discussions about Hadjar’s future beyond this year, including the 2026 season, may begin soon but stressed that the next season should be kept steady. The struggles experienced by Verstappen’s recent teammates contribute to the decision to avoid unnecessary disruptions during Hadjar’s promising rookie campaign.
“We have strong alignment internally that we need to go through this year calmly, with everyone focusing on their jobs,”
Bayer told Planet F1.
“I’m sure that, post-summer break, discussions will start about 2026, but honestly, I dare to say that in ’25, we all want to keep it calm and, talking about Isack, give him the chance to grow, to learn. Honestly, he is incredible.”
—Peter Bayer, Racing Bulls F1 Principal
Insight into Hadjar’s Precision and Potential
Bayer shared an anecdote highlighting Hadjar’s remarkable attention to detail during a qualifying session earlier this season. While listening to team radio, Bayer recounted a moment when Hadjar’s race engineer, Pierre Hamelin, informed him he was losing time in Turn 6. Hadjar requested more exact feedback, leading Hamelin to specify a loss of 0.035 seconds. Hadjar then used that precise information to improve his performance immediately.
“Isack said to him: ‘Can you be more precise?’ Pierre said, ‘Yes, I can. You’re losing 0.035 of a second in that turn.’ And Isaac said: ‘OK, then I know what to do.’ [And he did it].”
—Peter Bayer, Racing Bulls F1 Principal
Future Outlook for Hadjar and Racing Bulls
With Bayer confirming Hadjar’s secure place in Racing Bulls for the rest of 2024 and indicating calmness for the 2025 season, the focus remains on nurturing the young driver’s growth rather than rushing changes. This approach acknowledges the difficulties Verstappen’s teammates have faced and prioritizes a consistent environment for Hadjar’s continued success. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as discussions about Hadjar’s longer-term role in Formula 1 begin to unfold after the summer break.