Isack Hadjar: The Rising Star of Formula 1
At just 20 years old, Isack Hadjar has quickly made a name for himself in the competitive world of Formula 1. The French-Algerian driver, a rookie this season, started his journey with a few bumps along the way. His debut at the Australian Grand Prix didn’t go as planned; he faced a crash during the formation lap. However, Hadjar has bounced back impressively, securing appearances in Q3 during races in China and Japan, and even clinching points in Japan and Saudi Arabia. His remarkable speed and consistent performance have drawn accolades from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who has labeled him "the surprise of the season." In an exclusive interview, Hadjar shared insights into his career trajectory and the experiences that shaped him.
Early Inspirations: A Love for Motorsport
Hadjar’s passion for racing ignited at a young age, inspired by the Disney Pixar movie "Cars." "I remember watching the film at home when I was just two years old. The moment we bought the DVD is etched in my memory," Hadjar recalled. This initial spark led him to follow Formula 1 on television, setting the stage for his future in motorsport.
By the age of six, Hadjar was behind the wheel of a go-kart. "There was an indoor karting track near Paris where I went with my dad. I performed really well during my first visit," he reminisced. Competitive karting began at around eight years old, and the first few seasons were exhilarating. However, as he advanced to national championships, the challenges grew more daunting. "It became frustrating because I lacked the right equipment and support," he explained. With his parents prioritizing education over racing, Hadjar faced financial constraints that limited his competitive opportunities. "I always dreamed of competing in European and World Championships, but we could only afford the main events. My preparation was lacking, which was disheartening," he added.
Friendships and Rivalries
In the competitive karting scene, Hadjar formed a close bond with Sami Meguetounif, a fellow racer now competing in Formula 2. "Sami is probably my best friend in motorsport. We had our share of fierce but enjoyable battles in the national championships," he stated. Their friendship began in 2015 at Le Mans, where they discovered their shared Algerian roots. Hadjar remains optimistic about their future in Formula 1, stating, "He is incredibly talented and deserves to be here."
Transition to Car Racing
Hadjar’s career took a significant turn when he transitioned from karting to car racing. He achieved notable success in French F4 before moving up to the Formula Regional European Championship in 2021 with R-ace GP. "In cars, the opportunity for a driver to make a difference is much greater. It’s simpler to win in karting if you have the right equipment, but in cars, there’s more complexity and strategy involved," he noted. His breakthrough moment came during a race in Monaco, where he triumphed from pole position. "The pressure was immense, especially with challenging track conditions. I dominated the race and set the fastest laps, which was an unforgettable experience," he shared.
Following this victory, Hadjar received a life-changing call from his mother regarding a meeting with Helmut Marko. "He mentioned that he wanted to meet me at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel. That was my first contact with Marko and Red Bull, and it felt surreal," he explained. The meeting led to a contract offer, marking a significant milestone in Hadjar’s career.
Accelerated Progression
With Red Bull’s backing, Hadjar advanced to Formula 3 in 2022, where he secured two sprint victories and one feature race win, finishing fourth overall in the standings. This performance earned him a promotion to Formula 2 in the following season, where he even had opportunities to participate in Friday practice sessions in F1 races in Mexico and Abu Dhabi. "In 2024, I won four feature races and entered the final round in Abu Dhabi with a chance at the title, but unfortunately, I stalled at the start," he recalled, reflecting on what he described as "the worst moment of my life." Despite the setback, Hadjar recognized the importance of resilience in racing. "I’ve faced more challenging moments in my career, but losing a title shot was painful. The worst part was feeling like I couldn’t compete for something significant," he elaborated.
Growth as a Driver
Hadjar credits much of his development to the support he has received from the Red Bull Junior Team. "The growth I’ve experienced since joining Red Bull is remarkable. My understanding of driving and mental fortitude has improved immensely," he stated. He has worked closely with Guillaume Rocquelin, a former engineer for Sebastian Vettel, who has provided invaluable guidance. "Having someone like Rocky as my personal engineer has been a tremendous asset. He’s always available for questions and discussions about my performance," Hadjar explained.
Navigating the Pressure of Being a Red Bull Junior
Typically, Red Bull juniors receive regular check-ins from Helmut Marko after race weekends, but Hadjar’s experience has been different. "I didn’t have those Monday morning calls that some others received. We share an honest relationship, and I’ve had more laughs with him than anything else," he revealed. Marko’s supportive approach has been a source of comfort, especially during challenging times. "Even after a tough first season in F2, he remained supportive and kept me in the program," Hadjar shared.
Looking Ahead to Formula 1
The anticipation of competing in Formula 1 has been a lifelong dream for Hadjar. "From childhood, my goal has always been F1. My parents, especially my mom who also manages my career, emphasized the importance of focusing on the present rather than worrying about the future," he explained. This mindset has allowed him to stay grounded amidst the pressures of racing.
Hadjar’s journey has not been without its challenges, including a significant crash during the Australian Grand Prix. Reflecting on Marko’s comments about the incident, he admitted, "It was indeed a painful moment for me. However, Marko was understanding and focused on looking ahead to the next race."
Nickname: Le Petit Prost
One interesting aspect of Hadjar’s persona is his nickname, "Le Petit Prost." "People often ask where it comes from, and honestly, I’m not sure. I think it’s because I bite my nails, a habit Helmut mentioned that reminded him of Alain Prost. Regardless, I’m honored to be associated with such a legendary figure," he said with a smile.
With his talent, determination, and the support of Red Bull, Isack Hadjar is poised for an exciting future in Formula 1. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, the racing world eagerly watches this rising star’s journey unfold.
