The 2025 Formula 1 season marked a pivotal moment for Racing Bulls, the rebranded entity that emerged from the former Alpha Tauri, which was previously known as Toro Rosso. Transitioning through various marketing facades, the Faenza-based team has consistently served as a nurturing ground for Red Bull’s young driver program, aiming to elevate talents to the pinnacle of motorsport. Expectations have never been set high for the team, primarily focusing on developing young racers in a stable environment. This year, however, Racing Bulls defied the odds with a commendable performance.
Finishing sixth in the championship with a total of 92 points, Racing Bulls outperformed renowned teams such as Aston Martin and Haas. It’s worth noting that the last time the team achieved a better position was in 2021, where they secured the same sixth place but with a striking 142 points. Beyond mere statistics, this season was instrumental in the growth of Isack Hadjar, who demonstrated remarkable potential, while Yuki Tsunoda moved up to Red Bull and Liam Lawson, who had a brief stint, only participated in two races.
The VCARB 02 proved to be a formidable contender, especially in low-speed traction circuits, largely due to the rear suspension inherited from its parent team. This design prowess allowed Racing Bulls to shine on urban tracks, although they faced challenges in high-speed corners and suffered from drag on straights. A standout moment of the season was Hadjar’s historic podium finish in the Netherlands, complemented by consistent scoring that enabled the team to stand out among the mid-field competitors.
Isack Hadjar emerged as a revelation, finishing 12th in the world standings with 51 points. The rookie French driver quickly acclimated to the VCARB 02, leveraging its drivability to achieve impressive results. His crowning achievement was a third-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, a podium secured under mixed weather conditions that showcased his undeniable talent. He also notched sixth-place finishes in both Monaco and Las Vegas, proving his expertise on technical circuits.
Despite a rocky start in Melbourne that could have spelled disaster, Hadjar rebounded spectacularly, demonstrating speed and consistency that overshadowed his initial misstep. By the second half of the season, the early struggles of this promising rookie were a distant memory. His stellar debut season earned him a promotion to Red Bull for 2026, solidifying his status as one of the standout rookies of the year. With a podium already to his name, Hadjar’s capabilities are unmistakably evident.
Liam Lawson concluded his season in 14th place with 38 points, playing a crucial role in accumulating points for the constructor’s championship. What was expected to be a dream season quickly turned into a nightmare, as Lawson faced demotion to Racing Bulls after just two races with Red Bull. However, instead of crumbling under pressure, Lawson managed to find his footing amidst the chaos.
His best result came with a fifth-place finish in Azerbaijan, which, while not spectacular, was enough to keep him in the F1 fold and with Racing Bulls. This season may not have been a shining beacon of success for Lawson, but it provided him with a chance to reset and seek redemption in the future. With the right mindset, he could turn this challenging chapter into a stepping stone for greater achievements ahead.
Overall, Racing Bulls’ 2025 season was a testament to resilience and growth, setting the stage for a promising future in Formula 1.
