Isack Hadjar’s F1 comeback is capturing attention after his dramatic start to his rookie season, marked by a crash at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix. Facing intense pressure and only days to recover, the French–Algerian driver managed to transform early disappointments into impressive achievements, quickly making his mark in the world of Formula 1.
Early Setback in Australia Leaves Hadjar Determined
Beginning his debut Formula 1 campaign, Isack Hadjar experienced a challenging moment during the season‘s opening event in Australia. On the very first formation lap of the Australian Grand Prix, Hadjar crashed, describing the aftermath as an emotional low point. With less than a week before the next race, he knew he had a limited window to prove himself and move past his mistake.
“For me, my world collapsed that day,”
Hadjar explained during his appearance on Red Bull’s Talking Bull podcast. In those difficult moments, Hadjar’s resolve began to form, triggered by the relentless schedule of the sport. He viewed the quick turnaround as an advantage rather than an obstacle, giving him a chance to erase the memory of his difficult start in just five days.
Finding Redemption and Confidence in China and Japan
Determined to overcome his setback, Hadjar approached the Chinese Grand Prix with renewed focus. He credits this period with allowing him to demonstrate his resilience, delivering his best qualifying performance in China, a key moment in his early F1 career.
“And at that time of the year, I had my best qualifying in China. I got back to my feet very quickly,”
Hadjar recalled. This marked his first real step forward after the disappointment in Australia.
The momentum carried through to the third round of the championship in Japan, held at Suzuka Circuit. There, Hadjar not only scored his first championship points with an eighth-place finish but also realized a personal ambition, as Suzuka had always held a special place in his racing aspirations.
“I love Japan for its food, for its culture, its manga, everything. So I had a very good week and plus my maiden points in Formula 1. There’s no other place I wanted to have my first points. I’ve done it here,”
he stated, reflecting both pride and joy in his achievement.
A Podium Finish and a Promising Future Ahead
Hadjar’s rookie season continued on an upward path. At the Dutch Grand Prix, he celebrated his first Formula 1 podium, finishing behind race winner Oscar Piastri and four-time champion Max Verstappen. This accomplishment further solidified his progress in the championship and later paved the way for his confirmation as Red Bull’s second driver for the 2026 season.
Behind the scenes, his journey was not without self-doubt or hurdles, particularly during his rise through the junior categories. Competing in Formula 2 during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Hadjar experienced periods of pressure and uncertainty, unsure at times whether a career in F1 was still within reach.
“You’re one step away from Formula 1 and you have your worst season in racing. There’s been tough moments, but I’m more than grateful for the support I had and having got that second chance,”
he reflected, acknowledging how the path to the pinnacle of motorsport is rarely straightforward.
“When I came to F2, I was very confident the first year because I had a very good F3 season and in a team I knew didn’t go to plan. But I remember going to that last season with a lot of pressure because I was like, ‘Yeah, this is it. This is my final chance. If it doesn’t work out this year, I need to accept that F1’s not a thing anymore,’”
he shared about the determination and anxiety that fueled his progress.
Impact of Hadjar’s Resilience on Formula 1 and Beyond
The story of Isack Hadjar F1 comeback illustrates the emotional ups and downs facing rookies in motorsport’s premier championship. Hadjar’s drive, highlighted by support from his team, determination in the face of adversity, and his multicultural perspective as a French-Algerian driver, resonates with fans. As he prepares for his role alongside some of the sport’s best, such as Max Verstappen, and becomes Red Bull’s second driver, his journey from a collapsed world to the podium is shaping him as an inspiration for aspiring racers worldwide.
Hadjar’s resilience and ability to adapt quickly after setbacks not only highlight his personal growth but also add a new chapter to Formula 1’s long tradition of remarkable comebacks, with the rookie season of 2025 standing out as a turning point in his career.
