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The 20-year-old French-Algerian rookie is quickly making a name for himself in the world of motorsport. After a shaky debut in Melbourne, where he crashed during the formation lap, Isack Hadjar has turned heads with impressive performances, including Q3 finishes in China and Japan, as well as scoring points in Japan and Saudi Arabia. His quick pace and reliability have even caught the attention of Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who referred to him as “the surprise of the season.”
In an exclusive conversation with the Racing Bulls driver, Hadjar reflects on his ascent in motorsport and the path that brought him to this pivotal moment.
Inspiration from a Classic
Hadjar’s passion for racing ignited at an early age, inspired by the Disney Pixar film, “Cars.” “I was about two years old when I first watched it,” he recalled. “I vividly remember when my family bought the DVD. It’s wild that I can remember that moment! From then on, I started following Formula 1 closely.”
His journey took off when he stepped into a kart at the age of six, after a visit to an indoor karting track near Paris. “That first experience was exhilarating—I performed well right away,” he reminisced. By eight, he was racing competitively, cherishing those initial seasons in karting.
However, the landscape changed as he moved up the ranks. “The national championships were challenging. I lacked the proper equipment and experience, which was frustrating,” he explained. His parents prioritized education, limiting his competitive racing opportunities. “Between the ages of ten to thirteen, I struggled to keep up with the others,” Hadjar noted.
Rivalry and Friendship
When asked about his main adversary from his karting days, Hadjar instantly referenced Sami Meguetounif, who now competes in Formula 2. “He’s not just a rival; he’s my best friend in motorsport,” he shared. Their friendship began in 2015 at Le Mans, where they discovered their shared Algerian heritage.
“We’ve been friends for ten years now, and we had many exciting battles in the national championships. I’m optimistic that we’ll race together in Formula 1 someday,” Hadjar added confidently. “Sami’s talent is undeniable; he just needs the right opportunities, which I’ve been fortunate to have.”
Transitioning to Cars
Hadjar’s career trajectory significantly improved when he transitioned from karting to car racing. He celebrated victories in the French F4 series before advancing to the Formula Regional European Championship with R-ace GP in 2021. “In cars, the skill gap is more pronounced. You can’t rely solely on equipment like you can in karting,” he noted. “I felt more at ease driving cars than in karts.”
A standout moment arrived when he won a race in Monaco, starting from pole. “That day was unforgettable. The damp track conditions posed a challenge, but I managed to lead and set fastest laps,” he recounted. “After the race, my mother informed me that Helmut Marko wanted to meet, marking a pivotal moment in my career.”
Rapid Progression
With the backing of Red Bull, Hadjar advanced to Formula 3 in 2022, securing two sprint wins and a feature race victory, which propelled him to Formula 2 the subsequent year. In 2023, he also tested for F1 teams, including AlphaTauri and Red Bull, during Friday practice sessions.
“In 2024, I won four feature races, entering the final round in Abu Dhabi with a title chance, only to stall at the start,” he reflected, calling it “the worst moment of my life.” However, he quickly added, “I had been through tougher experiences. I knew my future path; it was more frustrating to be unable to compete for something.”
Support and Growth
Hadjar attributes much of his growth to the structure within the Red Bull Junior Team, stating, “The level of support on the technical side has been invaluable. I’ve developed considerably, both in driving and mentally.” He benefits from working closely with Guillaume ‘Rocky’ Rocquelin, former engineer for Sebastian Vettel. “I could approach him with any questions after race weekends,” Hadjar explained of their dynamic.
A Unique Relationship with Marko
While many Red Bull juniors dread Monday morning calls from Helmut Marko, Hadjar experienced a different relationship. “I didn’t have those calls. My interactions with Helmut were filled with humor rather than pressure,” he stated. Marko’s approach allowed Hadjar to feel more relaxed, even through challenging seasons.
Upon learning he would debut in F1 in 2025, he expressed excitement. “Since childhood, Formula 1 has been my ultimate goal. My parents emphasized focusing on the present, a philosophy that has served me well,” he remarked.
Reflecting on Marko’s comments about his initial crash in Melbourne, Hadjar agreed, “It was indeed painful. However, Helmut reassured me it could happen to anyone and emphasized looking forward to improvement in China.”
The Legacy of Prost
Known as “Le Petit Prost,” Hadjar chuckled about his nickname, stating, “I honestly don’t know its origin. Helmut jokingly mentioned it might be because I bite my nails like Prost.” He appreciates the association with the legendary driver. “It’s an honor to be linked to such a figure; I hope I can represent the name well!”
Source
www.autosport.com