Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar recently shared his views on two of his Formula 1 heroes, Lewis Hamilton and Ayrton Senna, explaining why he considers Hamilton the best F1 driver while recognizing Senna as the fastest ever. Speaking about Lewis Hamilton’s remarkable pace, Hadjar emphasized how the seven-time world champion consistently demonstrates an exceptional ability to attack through the field on race day.
In particular, Hadjar described Hamilton’s skill in overtaking and managing races even when starting from near the back of the grid, often closing gaps on rival drivers like George Russell. He pointed out Hamilton’s unique racecraft that lets him navigate through the pack with clever lines and an ability to avoid dirty air.
If you look at [Hamilton] until last year on Sundays,
Hadjar said on the Beyond The Grid podcast.
For me, it’s all about his race pace – like how he can start from the very back and end up racing George, you know, and fighting him when he’s starting 18th and George is starting ahead. It’s just this race pace advantage he had on his team-mates.
Hadjar further noted Hamilton’s dominance when paired with teammate Valtteri Bottas, mentioning how the British driver regularly gained gaps even in chain-like DRS battles.
If there’s like this train of DRS cars and everyone is within, say, six-tenths gap between each other, he would have a three-tenths gap to the car ahead of him. I think his Sunday drive is… yeah, mighty.
Ayrton Senna Awarded the Title of Fastest Driver
While praising Hamilton’s race mastery, Hadjar gave credit to Ayrton Senna as the quickest in outright speed, pointing to the late Brazilian’s legendary qualifying performances as evidence of his pace. Hadjar believes Senna’s skill transcended various conditions, whether wet or dry, highlighting the profound impact Senna’s speed had on fans and competitors alike.
Senna, for me, is the fastest driver of all time,
Hadjar stated.
I think the best driver of all time is Lewis Hamilton – the best Formula 1 driver – the whole package. But the fastest is definitely Ayrton. Whether it’s rain, dry, or mixed conditions, it’s Ayrton Senna.
Personal Connection to Senna’s Legacy
Hadjar has shown his respect for Senna beyond words by debuting a Senna-inspired helmet during the Monaco Grand Prix this year. The French-Algerian driver explained how his admiration for Senna began through documentaries and clips he watched growing up, which left a lasting impression despite not experiencing Senna’s era firsthand.
Yeah, I think kids my age – that’s the only thing we had really: documentaries, films, clips on YouTube,
Hadjar shared.
And just with that small amount… he was my idol growing up.
He added,
I discovered Senna with that one [the documentary 10 years ago]. I was like six, and I didn’t know he died. I didn’t know who Senna was. So I was learning his story through the documentary. And when he died, I was completely broken.
The Enduring Influence on Future Generations
Hadjar’s reflections illustrate how both Hamilton’s comprehensive racecraft and Senna’s blistering speed have inspired a new generation of Formula 1 drivers. His insight reveals the subtle differences between being the “best driver” through consistency and race intelligence, and being the “fastest” through raw pace and qualifying excellence. With Hadjar actively competing and honoring these legacies, the ongoing influence of these legends continues to shape the sport.
