Isack Hadjar of France and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls looks on during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on September 04, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool //
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Formula 1 News: I only started earning money in F1 this year – Hadjar

Andrew Maitland

(GMM) Incoming Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar (pictured) has revealed that 2025 was the first season in which he actually earned a living from motorsport.

Speaking to French streamer Zack Nani, the 21-year-old admitted that despite racing his way to Formula 2 runner-up status and then into F1 with Racing Bulls, the road to the big league was a financial drain rather than a source of income.

“I only started earning a living this year in F1, in 2025,” Hadjar, who enjoyed a much-lauded rookie season this year that has led to the Red Bull Racing seat for 2026, said.

Asked whether he made money finishing second in Formula 2, he replied bluntly: “No. It’s a complicated system where you have to pay for your seasons.”

Hadjar explained that even with Red Bull backing, the road to Formula 1 remained financially brutal.

“Of course, Red Bull is there to help you – you’re in an academy, you’re immersed in the F1 environment, and they help you financially,” he said. “But F3 and F2 are costs you can’t afford. My mother managed to find sponsors to pay for part of the season, and Red Bull covered the rest.

“I can’t say everything, but until last year, it was relentless financially. Without Red Bull, it’s over,” said Hadjar.

Now preparing to line up alongside Formula 1’s highest-paid driver, Max Verstappen, Hadjar also reflected on how the cost barrier shaped his early career.

“I really enjoyed my first two seasons of karting, but when I moved on to the serious stuff, I enjoyed it much less,” he admitted. “Those are really bad memories. You’re competing against kids who had more resources than you.

“I don’t want to come across like I didn’t have the means – my parents are well-off,” Hadjar continued. “But in the world of Formula 1, you’re invisible. Anyone can buy a pair of boots and go play football, but to start karting is tough – and to move on to the serious stuff is ridiculous.”