In a thrilling display of talent and ambition, Isack Hadjar has officially stepped into the spotlight as a Red Bull Racing driver during the post-season testing held in the vibrant setting of Abu Dhabi. This event marked the conclusion of an intense F1 2025 season, where an impressive 25 drivers took to the track, collectively completing over 2,500 laps in a showcase of speed and skill.
The atmosphere was electric as young talent took center stage, with crucial testing taking place for both the new drivers and the upcoming F1 2026 tires developed by Pirelli. The Yas Marina Circuit was alive with activity, featuring mule cars that allowed teams to experiment with various setups and tire configurations in preparation for the future.
Not to be overshadowed, Lando Norris, the newly crowned World Champion, made a grand entrance, albeit with a slightly hoarse voice—a testament to his recent title celebrations. He sported a dazzling special-edition golden helmet during his time on the track, sharing tire testing duties with his teammate Oscar Piastri. Meanwhile, rising star Pato O’Ward participated in the young driver test, further solidifying his reputation.
Hadjar’s debut was a significant highlight, as the French driver donned Red Bull Racing attire for the first time, joining fellow Red Bull reserve Ayumu Iwasa for a full day of testing. This moment signified not just his transition into a more prominent role, but also the team’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Additionally, Arvid Lindblad experienced his inaugural test in a current F1 car, poised to join Racing Bulls next season.
In a bid to simulate the F1 2026 machines as accurately as possible, Pirelli’s tire testers, primarily composed of full-time drivers and senior reserves like Stoffel Vandoorne, made significant modifications to their cars. Notably, Mercedes experimented with a revised front wing to evaluate the components’ ‘active’ dynamics that will come into play in the upcoming season. The new Pirelli tires, featuring dimensions 25mm narrower at the front and 30mm at the back, also weigh 2.1kg less per set, signaling a pivotal shift in tire technology.
The testing day emphasized experience over lap times, with teams cycling through various run plans. However, not everything went smoothly; Haas driver Esteban Ocon managed only four laps due to an unfortunate engine issue that plagued his testing session. On a brighter note, Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli emerged as a standout performer, clocking in the highest lap count of the day with an impressive 157 laps, while his teammate Frederik Vesti closely followed, contributing to a combined total of 312 laps.
Fastest of the day was Aston Martin junior Jak Crawford, who showcased the potential of the rookie drivers by taking the top spot in lap times. Antonelli led the pack of full-time competitors, while Hadjar impressively completed 111 laps on his first outing as a full-time Red Bull driver. Lindblad also made a mark with 138 laps, stepping into Hadjar’s seat at Racing Bulls.
As the season wraps up, teams now look ahead to the winter months, gearing up for a private five-day test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya just seven weeks away. The stage is set for a new era in Formula 1, with young talents ready to make their mark and veterans eager to defend their titles. The excitement is palpable as the motorsport world awaits what’s next in this ever-evolving saga of speed and competition.
