Is that this Pink Bull's next-in-line driver? "I might by no means refuse a name"

Isack Hadjar says he “would by no means refuse a name” to step as much as Pink Bull after scoring his first factors in System 1 on the Japanese Grand Prix.

Racing Bulls rookie Hadjar placed on a advantageous present on his first go to to Suzuka, qualifying seventh on the grid earlier than taking his VCARB 02 to eighth on the end, dropping just one place to the quicker Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton.

The French-Algerian driver had the measure of his new teammate Liam Lawson all weekend, whereas he additionally managed to outshine new Pink Bull recruit Yuki Tsunoda within the race.

Isack Hadjar next-in-line for Pink Bull?

This makes Hadjar a first-rate candidate for Pink Bull ought to it wish to give one other driver an opportunity to race alongside Max Verstappen at its main staff.

There may be already some uncertainty about Tsunoda’s mid-term future with the staff, with query marks over whether or not the Japanese driver will stay part of the Pink Bull household following its impending break up with Honda.

When urged that he might be subsequent in line on the Milton Keynes squad, Hadjar informed Sky: “To be trustworthy, I am actually having fun with the place I am for the time being.

“I might by no means refuse a name, that is for certain. However, yeah, that’s [on] him [Red Bull management to decide]. Actually, I am simply having enjoyable for the time being.”

Lawson’s return to Racing Bulls has created an fascinating dynamic for the Faenza staff.

Whereas he did compete within the final six races of 2024 with the squad then generally known as RB, he’s having to reacquaint with the staff after beginning the brand new season with Pink Bull.

Hadjar, in the meantime, accomplished his complete pre-season preparation with Racing Bulls and has now scored 4 of the staff’s seven factors up to now in 2025.

Requested who’s now the staff chief at Pink Bull’s secondary outfit, Hadjar stated: “I nonetheless suppose Liam is extra skilled. Even inside the staff, he was already driving for them in ’23, so he is bringing a bit extra expertise than I’m.

“However clearly, I began the yr right here so let’s name it equal. However we’re undoubtedly working actually, rather well collectively.”