Isack Hadjar, the rising star of Formula 1 and member of Red Bull’s driver academy, has found an unusual way to connect with his childhood hero, Lewis Hamilton. Despite expectations that Hadjar might side with rivals of the seven-time world champion, he has always supported Hamilton and recently engaged in playful banter about Hamilton’s favorite football team, Arsenal. This exchange came after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium in London.
The relationship between Hadjar and Hamilton extends beyond the racetrack. Before Hadjar’s F1 career properly began, a significant moment brought them closer. At the season-opener in Australia, Hadjar spun out during the formation lap in treacherous wet conditions and was visibly upset, bursting into tears. It was Anthony Hamilton, Lewis Hamilton’s father, who consoled the young French-Algerian driver, reassuring him that mistakes are part of the process. A few days later, Lewis Hamilton himself reached out with a supportive message, a gesture that left a lasting impression on Hadjar.
Now sharing the F1 grid with Hamilton, Hadjar has grown close enough to exchange light-hearted teasing. During the pre-Miami Grand Prix Sprint Race show, Hadjar revealed a text he had sent to Hamilton following the Arsenal-PSG match, highlighting the friendly rivalry between the two drivers. Hamilton, a lifelong fan of Arsenal, watched as his team lost to Hadjar’s hometown club, PSG, which spurred Hadjar to poke fun at the 40-year-old driver.
Hadjar told Sky Sports,
Yeah, to mock him about Arsenal losing to PSG. That’s the only thing we talk about but yeah I do [text with him] a bit.
This exchange shows how motorsport stars share moments beyond racing, blending their personal interests and passions into their interactions. The game’s only goal was scored by Ousmane Dembele, and it set the stage for an intense return leg at the Parc des Princes.
The upcoming match at PSG’s home stadium promises excitement, as Arsenal must overturn the 1-0 deficit to reach the Champions League final. A victory by two or more goals, or a 2-0 win specifically, would see Arsenal advance. If the aggregate score remains tied after 90 minutes, the tie will proceed to extra time or penalties, increasing the stakes for both teams.
Should Arsenal progress, they will face either Barcelona or Inter Milan in the final, depending on the result of their second leg at San Siro. The two sides are currently level after an electrifying 3-3 draw at Barcelona’s temporary home, the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. This intense competition mirrors the spirited rivalry between Hadjar and Hamilton, whose friendly banter adds a new dimension to their professional relationship.
The playful exchanges between Isack Hadjar and Lewis Hamilton over Arsenal’s recent loss underscore how sports can unite individuals across different fields, creating connections that transcend their primary pursuits. Hadjar’s confidence in teasing Hamilton reflects both his growing stature in F1 and their personal rapport. As the Champions League semi-finals unfold and the F1 season progresses, their ongoing interactions remain a compelling narrative that fans eagerly follow.
Ultimately, Isack Hadjar’s ability to mix sportsmanship with humor in his relationship with Lewis Hamilton provides a refreshing glimpse into the lives of top athletes beyond the high-pressure world of competition. Their camaraderie, rooted in respect and shared experiences, enhances the appeal of both Formula 1 and football, captivating audiences and fostering a unique bond that highlights the human side of elite sport.
