French rookie Isack Hadjar earned his first podium finish in a gripping Formula 1 race, securing third place under unusual conditions. His breakthrough moment took place during a dramatic event where a McLaren oil leak and Lando Norris’s sudden retirement unexpectedly opened the door for Hadjar to shine, making his “Isack Hadjar first podium” a memorable milestone for the young driver.
Behind the Scenes of the Podium Celebration
Hadjar had shown strong potential by qualifying fourth, competing fiercely alongside established racers like Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. Despite his remarkable effort and ending the season as the second-best Red Bull driver in 12th place overall, the rookie faced an awkward twist during the traditional podium proceedings—he had to stand on the podium while still wearing a sweat-soaked race suit.
Revealing the experience on the Talking Bull podcast, Hadjar described the post-race cooldown room, where fellow podium finishers were attended to with towels and fresh suits. Conversely, Hadjar found himself without such amenities.
“I remember being in the cooldown room with Max and Oscar. They were ready for that. And they had their trainers with towels, so they could change and I was like… and I looked at Harry [Mann, performance coach], my guy. I was like ‘you brought me a towel?’ He was like ‘no,’”
Hadjar recounted, highlighting the disparity he faced.
The Challenge of Facing the Media in Uncomfortable Conditions
The rookie expressed his frustration about the lack of preparation for changing out of his sweaty gear, while his rivals enjoyed new suits and comforts.
“And they all had brand new suits because after the podium you stink and they get changed, and they had this custom towel where they fit it around them so they can actually get changed without—I was amazed. I was like wow.”
When questioned about standing on the podium smelling less than fresh, Hadjar didn’t hold back:
“Yeah exactly. During the press conference, these guys smelled good. They were brand new and I was like ‘that’s not fair.’”
Looking Ahead: Hadjar’s Rising Trajectory in Formula 1
Despite the uncomfortable podium moment, Hadjar’s strong rookie season has earned him a coveted spot alongside Max Verstappen for the 2026 season with Red Bull. Fans anticipate seeing Hadjar on the podium more frequently, hoping his future appearances will come without the unanticipated odor episode.
This story underlines the human side of the high-pressure Formula 1 environment, where moments of humor and vulnerability exist even amid intense competition. As Hadjar prepares for upcoming races, the podium drama serves as a reminder of the unpredictable challenges drivers face both on and off the track.
