I just began earning money in F1 this year - Hadjar.

I just began earning money in F1 this year - Hadjar.

      "Certainly, Red Bull is there to assist you."

      Incoming Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar has disclosed that 2025 was the first season in which he truly made a living from motorsport. In an interview with French streamer Zack Nani, the 21-year-old confessed that, despite achieving the position of runner-up in Formula 2 and progressing to F1 with Racing Bulls, his journey to the elite level was financially burdensome rather than profitable. “I only started to earn a living this year in F1, in 2025,” Hadjar, who had a highly praised rookie season this year leading to a Red Bull Racing seat for 2026, stated. When asked if he profited from finishing second in Formula 2, he candidly responded, "No. It’s a complicated system where you have to pay for your seasons."

      Hadjar elaborated that even with support from Red Bull, the path to Formula 1 remained financially harsh. "Of course, Red Bull is there to help you - you’re part of an academy, you’re immersed in the F1 environment, and they offer you financial assistance," he mentioned. "But F3 and F2 incur costs that you can’t manage on your own. My mother was able to find sponsors to fund part of the season, while Red Bull covered the rest.

      "I can’t share everything, but until last year, it was a relentless financial struggle. Without Red Bull, it would have been over," Hadjar remarked. Now gearing up to race alongside Formula 1’s highest-paid driver, Max Verstappen, Hadjar also reflected on how financial barriers influenced his early career.

      "I truly enjoyed my first two seasons of karting, but once I transitioned to the more serious levels, my enjoyment significantly decreased," he admitted. "Those are really challenging memories. You’re racing against kids who had more resources than you.

      "I don’t want to sound as if I lacked means - my parents are well-off," Hadjar continued. "But in the Formula 1 realm, you feel invisible. Anyone can buy a pair of boots and play football, but starting karting is difficult - and advancing to the higher levels is absurd."

Other articles

Ford’s investment in electric vehicles, which has not paid off, will result in a loss of $19.5 billion for the company: TDS. Ford’s investment in electric vehicles, which has not paid off, will result in a loss of $19.5 billion for the company: TDS. Now, the Blue Oval is shifting its focus towards hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles. Verstappen acknowledges the mental games in the title race for 2025. Verstappen acknowledges the mental games in the title race for 2025. Formula 1 | Max Verstappen acknowledged that he continued to engage in psychological tactics during the 2025 championship battle with McLaren, despite previously claiming that he did not.

I just began earning money in F1 this year - Hadjar.

Formula 1 | Soon-to-be Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar has disclosed that 2025 was the inaugural season in which he genuinely made a living from motorsport. (…)