Isack Hadjar, Racing Bull’s rookie driver, encountered significant discomfort due to seatbelt issues during the qualifying session of the 2025 F1 Japanese Grand Prix. Despite these challenges, Hadjar impressively advanced through Q1 and Q2, ultimately securing a seventh-place finish ahead of Lewis Hamilton. His performance came amid seatbelt troubles that left him adjusting the harness with one hand while navigating the circuit.
The qualifying session at Suzuka Circuit revealed Hadjar’s resilience as he dealt with a seatbelt malfunction, which he promptly reported to his team. The onboard footage captured his attempts to modify the harness while competing. Despite this turmoil, Racing Bull’s team managed to address the issue during the brief intervals between sessions, allowing Hadjar a more stable run in Q3.
After Q1, Racing Bull’s team identified the problem as a seatbelt adjustment failure, swiftly taking measures to resolve it. Managing to overcome his discomfort, Hadjar showcased his potential by achieving a seventh-place finish, outperforming Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari.
Isack Hadjar has experienced a rocky start to his F1 season, with no results in Australia and an eleventh-place finish in China. The young talent remains optimistic, hoping to secure his first points of the season. Despite initial setbacks, Racing Bulls have demonstrated promising speed, potentially paving the way for Hadjar to gather points in subsequent races.
Reflecting on his performance during the post-qualifying interview, Hadjar candidly discussed the seatbelt issues he battled on track. While acknowledging the risk of rain in the upcoming main race on Sunday, Hadjar expressed confidence in scoring points if conditions remain dry, although he voiced uncertainty about a wet race.
Hadjar, now 20 years old, partners with Liam Lawson, who debuts with VCARB this season. Lawson’s journey saw a brief stint at Red Bull before his contract concluded after only two races.
Gunaditya Tripathi contributes his expertise to this narrative, leveraging his extensive experience in F1 and NASCAR journalism. With over two years in the field and more than 2,000 posts to his name, Tripathi’s work is backed by meticulous research and a pursuit of accuracy. Passionate about motorsports, Tripathi draws inspiration from legends like Michael Schumacher, whose daring racing style influences his own journalistic fervor. Outside racing, Tripathi’s interests span renowned football clubs like FC Barcelona and Argentina, reflecting his multifaceted passions.
The Impact of Hadjar’s Performance
Isack Hadjar’s performance at the Japanese GP serves as a testament to his potential, highlighting the impressive capability to rise above adversities. His perseverance and adaptability during the qualifying sessions have set a hopeful tone for Racing Bulls as the season unfolds. While immediate challenges remain, Hadjar’s determination suggests a promising trajectory as he continues to establish himself in the competitive world of Formula 1. Should he navigate future races with similar tenacity and strategic precision, Hadjar has the opportunity to secure a notable place in this year’s championship standings, possibly marking the beginning of an illustrious career.
