Isack Hadjar has emerged as a leading candidate for a Formula 1 race seat within the Red Bull program, according to team boss Christian Horner.
Sergio Perez's future at Red Bull Racing remains more than uncertain, with the team's shareholders set to assess his performance and make a final decision following the Abu Dhabi GP. Liam Lawson is widely considered the frontrunner to replace Perez, potentially leaving an opening at RB for 2025.
Yuki Tsunoda, a long-serving member of Red Bull's junior program, continues to voice his frustration at being overlooked for a promotion from RB to Red Bull Racing.
Speaking to DAZN after the Qatar GP, Tsunoda joked: "Maybe I need to create a video for social media. Climb up to a high place, drink a Red Bull and prove that the drink really gives me wings. Jump from the second floor and land perfectly.
"I need that—more marketing," he laughed.
Franco Colapinto, currently under contract with Williams, was previously in contention for a Red Bull-linked seat but now appears to have fallen out of the running.
"He is certainly a talent looking to earn his permanent place in Formula 1," Horner said. "But we have a great talent pool within the Red Bull junior team, and I am sure Franco will find his place on the grid in the future.
"You always have to keep an eye on the market, but we have strength and depth in our junior program," he added.
Hadjar, a French-Algerian 20-year-old currently competing in Formula 2, is now considered the favourite for a promotion within the Red Bull system.
"It's good to see Isack doing a good job in Formula 2," Horner said. "I think there's half a point gap between the drivers going into the last race in Abu Dhabi. Liam and Yuki were very close in Qatar in terms of pace, so we have a full team of drivers."
Hadjar is also set to drive Max Verstappen's Red Bull car during free practice in Abu Dhabi, further fueling speculation about his 2025 prospects. According to Auto Hebdo, Hadjar is the frontrunner to join Tsunoda at RB next season, information the French publication claims it "can confirm."
As for Verstappen, the quadruple world champion is staying out of the spotlight for the post-season Abu Dhabi test.
"I'll skip that," Verstappen smiled. "I wish them all the best of luck. But I'm not even going to watch."
