Isack Hadjar has admitted that the idea of making his Formula 1 debut in just over 50 days is both exciting and "scary."
One month ago, just before Christmas, the newly rebranded Racing Bulls team announced that the 20-year-old French-Algerian would replace Liam Lawson for the 2025 season.
"He is a very fast but also very impulsive driver, so that could be interesting for the team," Red Bull F1 advisor Dr Helmut Marko told Kleine Zeitung newspaper.
Reflecting on his imminent debut, Hadjar acknowledged the overwhelming nature of stepping into F1.
"The fact that I have trouble visualising and having an overall view shows how huge it is for me," he told Canal Plus.
"Honestly, I'm scared."
Hadjar, who finished second to fellow 2025 F1 rookie Gabriel Bortoleto in last year's Formula 2 championship, has some experience in F1 machinery. He participated in multiple free practice sessions in 2023 and 2024 and also drove in the Abu Dhabi test last December.
"I know that my experience in F1 is limited," he admitted. "The field is at such a high level."
Nicknamed 'Little Prost' by Marko, Hadjar has gained a reputation for his aggressive style and emotional reactions on the radio—traits he shares with his experienced teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
"In the end, I know myself," Hadjar said. "I know that when I get in the car, I'm going to want to beat Tsunoda. That's the only real thing in the end. Especially in F1, when we don't all have the same cars.
"That's the only real objective I have in concrete terms," he added.
Hadjar admitted that stepping into Formula 1 is a daunting challenge but stressed that he is determined to stay focused and channel his emotions.
"Entering a world like this is a bit scary. But I will keep the desire for success—to win. And to also channel my emotions.
"I know very well which team I am on," Hadjar concluded with a smile. "I know that they don't like the radio button too much."
