Red Bull youngster didn’t make ‘massive impression’ during F1 audition amid Sergio Perez pressure

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Red Bull faces a decision in the next couple of races over whether it decides to axe Sergio Perez due to a series of poor results.

The team has reportedly gave him the upcoming races in Hungary and Belgium to improve his form and meet certain performance clauses in his contract, otherwise he risks being replaced midway through the year.

Perez has endured a tough run since the Miami Grand Prix, with the Mexican scoring just 15 points in six races and failing to qualify inside the top ten on several occasions.

Red Bull has a pool of drivers it could potentially replace Perez with should they want to, with Liam Lawson touted as a potential successor after he impressed at five races with Visa Cash App RB last year.

Another driver that could see an early promotion is Formula 2 racer Isack Hadjar, who made his FP1 debut with Red Bull at Silverstone.

However journalist Edd Straw believes Hadjar did little to impress Red Bull during his brief hour-long window in the car when discussing his chances on The Race F1 podcast.

Isack Hadjar did not make ‘massive impression’ in Red Bull outing

Young drivers are allowed to take part in FP1 sessions for F1 teams for two times a year, as a way to give them experience and rack up points needed to earn a Super Licence.

Drivers must have not started more than two Grands Prix in their career to be eligable, with teams usually opting to run them towards the end of the season.

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Hadjar took over from Perez in the RB20 at Silverstone and set the 19th quickest time which was 1.8 seconds off the benchmark set by Lando Norris. Straw says the Frenchman did little to impress Red Bull at a time when it is looking for solid alternatives to Perez.

“Hadjar is an interesting case. I know he didn’t make a massive impression on Red Bull with the FP1 that he did at Silverstone. Although he didn’t necessarily have the most flattering programme, even then they weren’t absolutely delighted,” said Straw.

Could Isack Hadjar replace Sergio Perez?

It is unlikely that an F1 team would take a rookie out of their F2 season midway through the year for an early debut.

Hadjar currently sits top of the F2 standings having won the Feature race in Silverstone and currently leads championship rival Paul Aron by 16 points.

Mercedes has generated significant hype around Andrea Kimi Antonelli with the rumours that he could make his early F1 debut at Williams midway through the season after he impressed in various tests with the team.

Antonelli’s camp is keen for him to see out his F2 season, with Hadjar’s camp also likely to want the same given the liklihood that he could win the title with six race weekends left.