Lewis Hamilton says one F1 driver has been ‘amazing’ despite ‘intense’ pressure from Red Bull

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Red Bull have built a reputation as the most ruthless team in Formula 1, and the events of the 2025 season have only solidified it.

Just two races into the year, Liam Lawson, Sergio Perez’s replacement, was demoted back to Racing Bulls. He swapped seats with Yuki Tsunoda.

Last autumn, Lawson had benefited from Red Bull’s impatience when they cut ties with an underperforming Daniel Ricciardo. But he then fell victim to one of the most brutal driver calls in recent F1 history.

Tsunoda has been given until the end of the season despite his underwhelming results, but now he could be the next driver asked. Isack Hadjar is expected to join Red Bull after a standout rookie season at Racing Bulls.

Lewis Hamilton is full of respect for Isack Hadjar’s performances in 2025

Mercedes opted to replace new Ferrari signing Lewis Hamilton with teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli. But Antonelli has perhaps been outshone by Hadjar, who received far less attention over the winter.

Speaking in the media pen ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, Hamilton saluted Hadjar for an ‘amazing’ 2025 season. He’s ‘really excited’ about what he can achieve as the spot next to Max Verstappen beckons.

Hamilton pointed out that Hadjar has been under ‘intense’ pressure from Helmut Marko and co., who would likely have ‘spit him out’ if he hadn’t met expectations. But he says the Frenchman has both the speed and the mentality to succeed.

“I think he’s amazing,” said the seven-time world champion. “I think he’s been doing an amazing job this year. It’s not easy here. There’s a lot of pressure, especially when you’re obviously within the Red Bull world. They often spit out drivers, so the pressure is intense.

“I’m really excited about his future. I think he just has to continue to do what he’s doing, keep his feet on the ground, which he’s very level-headed already. I’m really excited to see where his future goes.”

What Lewis Hamilton said after Isack Hadjar’s first F1 podium

The two drivers have built a close relationship this season. Hadjar idolised Hamilton as a child, and he was consoled by the 41-year-old’s father, Anthony, after crashing out on his debut in Australia.

Unquestionably, the highlight of Hadjar’s rookie year so far came at the Dutch GP, when he scored a podium. Not even Verstappen managed to achieve that feat as a newcomer.

In a conversation during the drivers’ parade before that race, Hadjar said he was thrilled to be racing against Hamilton, having qualified an outstanding P4.

After Lando Norris’ retirement handed him a podium in the closing stages, Hamilton called Hadjar a ‘legend’. With a Red Bull move expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks, the two drivers could become direct rivals next year.