Isack Hadjar, a 20-year-old F1 rookie with Red Bull, has quickly made a name for himself after a turbulent start. Despite crashing in his debut in Melbourne, he has showcased impressive performance since, achieving Q3 appearances and finishing in the points. His journey began with a childhood love for Pixar’s ‘Cars’, evolving through karting to cars, and ultimately leading to his promotion to F1 in 2025.
Red Bull’s rookie, Isack Hadjar, has certainly made headlines in the world of Formula 1. The 20-year-old French-Algerian driver had a shaky debut in Melbourne, crashing before the race even began, yet he quickly rebounded. With strong showings in races across China and Japan, earning points finishes, he’s attracted significant attention. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko even dubbed him “the surprise of the season.”
Hadjar’s passion for motorsport ignited at a young age while watching Pixar’s “Cars.” “I remember the moment we bought the DVD. It’s crazy that I can remember that!” he reminisces. By six, he was karting, but didn’t find success until he moved into competitive racing. His initial karting years were joyful, yet frustration crept in as he faced challenges in the national championships due to budget constraints.
He recalls feeling that victories were often dictated more by financial backing than skill. “I always wanted to compete in the European and World Championships,” Hadjar said, but he only managed to attend the main events due to costs. However, his rivalry with Sami Meguetounif, a solid friend from karting, has been a highlight. They both began their friendship a decade ago, bonded over their Algerian roots and competitive spirit.
Switching to car racing offered Hadjar a fresh start. He thrived in French F4 and the Formula Regional European Championship, pulling off a memorable win in Monaco. “I remember setting fastest lap after fastest lap,” he shared. This victory caught the eye of Red Bull, leading to a contract and further opportunities. In 2022, he made the jump to Formula 3, where he made quite the impact on the track, winning several races and earning a promotion to Formula 2.
In 2023, he tested in F1, solidifying his position. Hadjar experienced a setback in his F2 title challenge but emerged from it with resilience. Even after a disappointing race, he found encouragement in knowing he would soon return to the wheel of a Red Bull car. “I think I knew my future,” he reflected on that loss.
Now, under Red Bull’s mentorship, he’s noticed significant growth in his driving and mental stamina, thanks in part to working with Guillaume Rocquelin, his engineer. Unlike other juniors, he hasn’t faced early Monday morning calls from Marko; instead, he treasures their lighter moments. Tellingly, he says, “I had more laughs with him than anything else.”
Hadjar’s long-held dream of racing in F1 is finally coming to fruition in 2025. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “F1 was always the goal. I never thought about anything else.” Interestingly, he’s garnered the nickname “Le Petit Prost”—a nod that he finds amusing, perhaps not fully understanding its origin. But he embraces it, knowing he’s sharing a name with a racing giant.
As Hadjar continues to navigate his way through F1, his combination of talent and grit might just propel him forward in the competitive sport. He hopes to achieve great things ahead—all eyes will certainly be on him.
Isack Hadjar’s story is one of resilience and passion, as he transforms from a young karting enthusiast into a promising Formula 1 rookie. His initial challenges in motorsport have given way to significant achievements under Red Bull’s guidance. Though setbacks have occurred, he has emerged stronger, showcasing his drive and skill on various international stages. Anticipation builds as Hadjar prepares for his F1 debut in 2025, and many are keen to see how this talented racer will fare. Hadjar’s relationship with both Red Bull and his peers shapes his journey. Furthermore, the connection to motorsport greats adds to the narrative of his evolving career. His experience highlights not only his skill but the importance of support in motorsport, ultimately painting a hopeful picture for his future in racing.
Original Source: www.autosport.com