Having been promoted to Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, the 21-year-old Frenchman reflects on a journey fraught with financial obstacles. Between sacrifices, frustrations, and crucial support from Red Bull, Isack Hadjar sheds light on a reality often kept silent about motorsport.
At 21 years, Isack Hadjar is about to experience a pivotal season. Promoted to Red Bull Racingalongside the four-time world champion Max VerstappenThe French driver embodies the new generation of Formula 1. A golden destiny on the surface, but built at the price of a long financial struggle.
Guest of the streamer Zack Nani, Hadjar delivered a raw, unvarnished testimony on the exorbitant cost of climbing to the elite of motorsport.
Isack Hadjar: the first obstacle to reaching the top of F1 is money
He was discovered at a very young age in karting. Isaac Hadjar admits that the carefree attitude of the beginning quickly dissipated.
"I really enjoyed my first two seasons of karting. But when I moved on to more serious competition, I enjoyed it much less. Those are bad memories."
The reason? Competition biased by money.
"You're fighting against kids who have more resources than you. In the world of F1, even if your parents are wealthy, you're invisible."
A stark observation that sums up an often ignored reality: while football remains accessible, motorsport quickly becomes out of reach.
"Anyone can buy a pair of cleats. But karting is already pretty intense. And to get to the serious stuff, it's just too much."
Despite his performance, Isaac Hadjar He didn't earn anything financially for a long time.
"I only started earning a living this year, in F1, in 2025."
Even a second place in Formula 2 was not enough.
"No. You have to pay for your seasons. It's a very complicated system."
Without the support of Red BullThe dream would have come to an abrupt end.
"F3 and F2 are costs you can't afford. My mother found sponsors, Red Bull took care of the rest. Without them, it would have been over."
Entered the Red Bull Junior Team in 2022, Hadjar has followed the trajectory of prestigious predecessors: Vettel, Verstappen, Ricciardo, Gasly ou SainzAfter a notable stint at Racing Bull
According to Business Booking GPinformation relayed by Sports, Isaac Hadjar He will earn 6,6 million euros per season driving the RB22-Ford. A spectacular pay rise, commensurate with the years of pressure, uncertainty and sacrifices.
Now settled into the deep end, Isaac Hadjar no longer hides his ambitions: to learn in the shadow of Max Verstappen… before, perhaps, aiming for the l
