Isack Hadjar reveals Helmut Marko conversation after Red Bull debut

Isack Hadjar has revealed he had a discussion with former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko following his first weekend with the Milton Keynes-based team.

A positive rookie campaign for Hadjar in 2025 with Racing Bulls saw him receive a call-up to the senior squad to partner Max Verstappen.

The Frenchman impressed with a run to third in qualifying but his grand prix was ended by a mechanical issue, which forced him to park up.

Despite the disappointing result and Red Bull's lack of pace compared to rival teams, Hadjar admitted he was pleased with how his weekend unfolded.

“I'm still happy,” Hadjar told media including RacingNews365. “I still consider we're not as fast as the McLaren or the Ferrari. 

“We could see that on Sunday, but we have enough to be fighting for good positions. 

“I only take the positives. Qualifying third was a very good start for me. 

“So far, before the season keeps going, I'm happy with our starting point.”

Hadjar entered the weekend with limited mileage after running into various issues during pre-season testing.

As a result, the 21-year-old had measured expectations heading into his debut with the squad.

“I did just a bit better than I wanted and expected,” he said. “I didn't have many laps in Bahrain. As for a first weekend, there were no mistakes. 

“Even the race start was very sharp, so I did my best until we had all the issues, a very good weekend to start.”

Hadjar added the team's feedback was “very positive” and even revealed he had a discussion with former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.

When asked if Marko was impressed by his Red Bull debut, Hadjar laughed: “He is never impressed.”

However, speaking to Krone Zeitung, Marko heaped praise on his protégé. 

“His qualifying lap was superb, but unfortunately he suffered a technical problem during the race,” Marko said. 

“His goal has to be: he's not on the team to beat Max, but to learn. But he's probably the one who – apart from Perez's prime – is closest to Verstappen.”

Hadjar returned to the cockpit in China and qualified in 10th place for the sprint race, marking a more disappointing outing for the Frenchman.