Speaking on Red Bull’s Talking Bulls podcast, Hadjar was asked how he reacted to the news, revealing that his mother actually found out before he did — as she also acts as his manager.

Hadjar then admitted he is still struggling to fully take in the fact that he is now a Red Bull driver: “I do realise what’s happening and I’m up for the challenge. Sometimes I’m like, ‘What the hell am I doing here?’ It feels so far removed from my go-kart days.

The Frenchman faces a daunting challenge this year: going head-to-head with Max Verstappen — a task that recent history has shown is anything but straightforward.

The latest driver to fall victim to the four-time world champion’s pace was Yuki Tsunoda, whose seat has now been taken over by Hadjar.

Looking ahead, the young Frenchman believes it is a “privilege” to race alongside Verstappen.