Skip to content
Custom Racing Suit
Get Started for FREE
Red Bull Star Firmly Denies Helmut Marko’s Fierce Claim
LISTEN
0:00 0:00
Highlights
- Isack Hadjar credits Helmut Marko for career support and trust
- Hadjar struggled in 2023 F2, finishing last among Red Bull juniors
- Marko retained Hadjar despite poor 2023 results, showing faith
- Hadjar improved to F2 runner-up in 2024, earning F1 seat
- Strong 2025 F1 start boosts Hadjar’s Red Bull Racing prospects
- Hadjar may become Max Verstappen’s teammate in 2026
Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar has dismissed claims that Helmut Marko, the team’s motorsport advisor, is “ferocious” in his approach to young drivers. Hadjar’s comments come after a strong start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, which has increased speculation about his future with the main Red Bull team.
The 20-year-old French-Algerian has credited Marko for playing a pivotal role in his career, especially following a challenging rookie season in Formula 2 during 2023. Hadjar entered Formula 2 with Red Bull’s junior program, which featured six drivers that year.
By season’s end, he ranked last of the Red Bull juniors, finishing 14th in the F2 standings. Despite the result, Marko chose to retain him for another year, showing faith even when Hadjar had doubts about his own performance.
That second chance proved crucial. In 2024, Hadjar bounced back in F2, climbing to a runner-up finish and securing a seat in Formula 1 with the Racing Bulls team.
Reflecting on the support he received, Hadjar shared that his relationship with Marko has always been straightforward and honest. He pointed out that Marko did not put extra pressure on him during his disappointing F2 campaign, choosing instead to let Hadjar process his frustration privately.
That approach, according to Hadjar, helped him regain focus and motivated him to improve the following season. The result has been a rapid rise through the Red Bull ranks.
Since his crash on the formation lap of this year’s Australian Grand Prix, Hadjar has posted consistently strong results that have caught the eye of team leaders. Some reports suggest he could be the favorite to partner Max Verstappen in 2026.
Throughout these developments, Hadjar has continued to emphasize the importance of Marko’s trust during difficult times, noting that very few believed in his potential after the 2023 season ended. Helmut Marko’s reputation within Formula 1 is often linked to tough decisions and a sharp attitude toward performance among young drivers.
However, Hadjar’s story offers a counterpoint, detailing an experience where patience and second chances proved valuable.
His words add a new dimension to discussions about the Red Bull junior program, which has seen many drivers come and go over recent years.
With F1’s 2025 season underway, Hadjar’s journey will remain under close watch. His progress and results may influence Red Bull’s lineup decisions in the months ahead.
As speculation continues around his next move, one clear takeaway stands out: belief and perseverance can shape a racing career, even under the intense spotlight of Formula 1.
John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.
* The featured image is not a real photograph — it was created using AI.
