In the high-octane world of Formula 1, Isack Hadjar has emerged as a promising rookie for Red Bull’s Racing Bulls team. This 20-year-old French-Algerian driver has quickly captured the attention of fans and experts alike. Despite a rocky start with a crash in Melbourne, Hadjar’s impressive Q3 appearances in China and Japan, coupled with point finishes in both Japan and Saudi Arabia, have marked him as a standout talent. His speed and consistency have earned accolades from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who recently acknowledged him as “the surprise of the season.”
Hadjar’s journey to the pinnacle of motorsport is as inspiring as it is fascinating. It all began with a childhood fascination for the Disney Pixar movie “Cars,” which ignited his passion for racing at merely two years old. This initial spark led him to karting at the tender age of six. Although his early years in karting were filled with success, as he aspired to climb the ranks, he faced significant challenges, primarily due to budget constraints and limited resources to compete at elite levels.
Despite such hurdles, Hadjar’s innate talent shone through, fueled by his competitive spirit to push harder and reach higher aspirations. Throughout his karting career, he developed a close friendship and rivalry with fellow racer Sami Meguetounif, who has progressed to Formula 2. Their bond exemplified the camaraderie and competitive nature that underpins the sport.
A pivotal moment came when Hadjar transitioned from karting to car racing, a shift that ultimately transformed his career. Finding success in the French F4 series and later in the Formula Regional European Championship, his driving skills began to truly illuminate the track. His breakthrough victory in Monaco marked a defining moment that thrust him into the spotlight and garnered the attention of Red Bull’s decision-makers.
With Red Bull’s support, Hadjar ascended in the ranks, moving up to Formula 3 and eventually securing a spot in Formula 2, where he displayed his prowess with noteworthy race wins and podium finishes. The culmination of his journey arrived with the announcement of his debut in Formula 1 in 2025, realizing a lifelong dream and solidifying his status as a rising star in the motorsport realm.
Throughout his evolving career, Hadjar has not only refined his driving abilities but has also grown personally. He attributes much of his development to the mentorship and guidance of figures like Guillaume ‘Rocky’ Rocquelin, a former engineer for Sebastian Vettel. The structure and support of Red Bull’s Junior Team have been crucial in equipping Hadjar with the tools necessary to succeed at the highest levels of racing.
Even amid the pressures and challenges of elite racing, Hadjar remains steadfastly focused on his ultimate goal: to leave a significant mark in Formula 1 and secure his place among the sport’s legends. Bearing the nickname “Le Petit Prost,” in homage to the esteemed Alain Prost, he embraces the legacy and expectations that this title carries, ready to carve out his own chapter in the history of F1.
As Isack Hadjar continues to impress on the track and inspire fans with his rapid rise through the ranks, one thing is abundantly clear—the world of Formula 1 has welcomed a new prodigy. His journey is just beginning, and his name is poised to be etched among racing’s greatest legends.
