One 2025 rookie admits he still doesn’t ‘have an idea’ about Formula 1 after Bahrain testing

Pre-season testing in Bahrain was the first opportunity fans and pundits got to see how the 10 F1 teams have developed their 2025 cars over the winter.

It was also the first chance to see the grid’s six new full-time drivers – and four rookies – in action in their machines ahead of the first race of the season in Melbourne.

Testing at the Sakhir International Circuit was rather smooth, with little to no mechanical issues throughout the three days. But there were some slight errors from F1 newcomers – although that is to be expected.

Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar both had minor spins on day one while a piece of bodywork surrounding the engine cover of Oliver Bearman’s Haas flew off on day three. Subsequently, Bearman did not complete any qualifying simulations in Bahrain, leaving him ‘disappointed’.

Gabriel Bortoleto was seen puffing his cheeks to Mattia Binotto in the Sauber garage as he encountered an issue with his C45 in the pit lane. The Brazilian could be in for a difficult 2025 campaign as the Hinwil-based outfit look to get themselves off the back row of the grid.

Hadjar completed the second most amount of laps in Bahrain for Racing Bulls with 243 – only Esteban Ocon did more over the three days. The Frenchman is looking to make an impression in F1, even if he has limited knowledge at this stage.

Isack Hadjar admits he still does not ‘have an idea’ of F1 after Bahrain testing

Hadjar will partner with Yuki Tsunoda at the Faenza-based outfit after finishing runner-up to Bortoleto in F2 last season. The 20-year-old was afforded his chance in F1 after Sergio Perez was sacked by Red Bull, opening the door for Lawson to replace him and leaving a seat free at Racing Bulls

Tsunoda admits it is ‘weird’ being Hadjar’s teammate as he will be the experienced driver in a team for the first time. While the Japanese driver has more Grand Prix starts and is expected to beat his teammate, Hadjar will be no pushover.

Hadjar produced ‘monstrous’ pace in a shakedown session of the VCARB 02 at Imola. His race engineers will have been delighted by the Frenchman’s dazzling speed ahead of pre-season in Bahrain.

READ MORE: Who is Racing Bulls 2025 F1 driver Isack Hadjar? Everything you need to know

However, speaking with Motorsport Week after three days in Sakhir, Hadjar admitted he still does not ‘have an idea’ about F1 with his limited experience.

Asked to give his verdict on the sport, the 20-year-old had a simple x-rated response: “It’s f—ing fast. At the moment, that’s all I can give you as a feedback.

“I don’t have much experience in F1. I don’t know what’s a mega car. If it should be like a McLaren, I don’t know how it’s supposed to behave. I don’t have an idea. So for me, this is fast.”

Should there be cause for concern at Racing Bulls in 2025?

The 2025 season will mark the final year Racing Bulls will run with Honda engines before the new regulations of 2026. The Faenza-based outfit will look to improve upon their 2024 finish of eighth in the constructors’ championship with Tsunoda and Hadjar.

Racing Bulls produced the second-slowest time in Bahrain – although there are many caveats to take into account such as track conditions and full loads.

READ MORE: All to know about Racing Bulls from team principal to Red Bull affiliation

However, the general feeling around the paddock is one of concern for the team. David Croft and Karun Chandhok think Racing Bulls will be the most disappointed after testing.

Alex Brundle noted Hadjar’s car ‘didn’t sound too healthy’ in Bahrain – a worry for the Frenchman as he will hope the VCARB 02 will not be a downgrade on its predecessors.

Like many fans, Pierre Gasly is interested to see how Hadjar fares in 2025. However, if his car is uncompetitive, it could be a tricky rookie season in F1 that, knowing Red Bull’s approach with their drivers, could be his last.