During the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, rookie driver Isack Hadjar achieved a remarkable third-place finish behind race winner Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. However, the French–Algerian racer later disclosed a unexpected error he made in the cooldown room following his first Formula 1 podium, an experience he had anticipated but never fully expected in his debut season.
Unexpected Challenges After Reaching the Podium
Hadjar explained that while the actual podium ceremony was unforgettable, it was the moments immediately after the race that left a lasting impression due to unfamiliar procedures. He shared,
“I do [remember] because it was a completely new procedure for me,”
highlighting how the post-race routine caught him off guard.
The driver recounted being in the cooldown room alongside Verstappen and Piastri, who were better prepared for the post-podium rituals.
“I remember being in the cool room with Max and Oscar. And they were ready for that. They had their trainers with towels so they could change, and I looked at Harry, my guy. I was like, ‘You brought me a towel?’ He was like, ‘No,’ because he didn’t know either.”
He further elaborated on the tradition of changing into fresh suits after the podium due to the physical toll of the race.
“And they all had brand new suits because after the podium, you stink. They get changed, and they had this custom towel where they fit it around them so they can actually get changed. I was amazed. I was like, ‘Wow.’”
Hadjar also noticed a stark difference during the press conference that followed the race.
“During the press conference, these guys smelled good. They were in brand new [suits],”
he added, emphasizing his rookie inexperience in these professional details.
Emotions and Crowd Response After Securing Third Place
Reflecting on the moment he parked his car at the third place board, Hadjar described the overwhelming feeling and crowd reaction.
“Even when I parked the car at the third board. I jumped out, and I was on the left-hand side, I was the closest to the grandstand and I jumped out of the car, and I waved at the crowd, and it responded back to me. Wow. I was like, ‘This is insane.’”
The Road Ahead with Red Bull
Following his breakthrough podium finish, Hadjar secured a race contract with Red Bull for the 2026 season, set to race alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen. This opportunity marks a significant step in the young driver’s career and promises an exciting chapter ahead in Formula 1.
