Isack Hadjar’s Rise to Formula 1 Stardom: A Rookie’s Harsh Reality Unveiled
From karting to the pinnacle of motorsport, Isack Hadjar shares the backstage of his career journey. The French driver has taken the racing world by storm, quickly becoming the reference point at Racing Bulls. Currently standing ninth in the drivers’ standings after nine races, Hadjar is next in line for a coveted spot at Red Bull. FormulaPassion caught up with the Faenza-based team’s rising star at the Imola Grand Prix, just before a triumphant streak where he scored points in all three races.
Hadjar traces his passion for racing back to his childhood, inspired not only by the movie “Cars” but also by his father’s love for Formula 1. Transitioning from karting to national championships posed significant challenges, with competitors dedicating their lives to racing. Despite facing tough competition, Hadjar’s talent shone through, ultimately leading to a life-changing call from Helmut Marko after his victory in Monte Carlo.
Stepping into Formula 1 with the Red Bull Junior Team, Hadjar realized the immense leap in skill required. Contrary to popular belief that rookies have it easier in modern F1 due to simulator training, Hadjar dismisses this notion as nonsense. He emphasizes the virtual nature of simulators and the limited real-world testing opportunities, especially for drivers like him. The speed and complexity of driving an F1 car remain a daunting task for newcomers.
Months into his debut season, Hadjar acknowledges his progress in extracting the car’s maximum potential during qualifying sessions. He highlights the importance of fine-tuning details with his engineers to enhance his understanding of the car. Surprisingly, Hadjar notes the significant level of freedom and respect he receives within the team, contrary to his initial expectations of being micromanaged.
Isack Hadjar’s journey from karting enthusiast to F1 contender is a testament to his determination and raw talent. As he navigates the challenges of his rookie season, one thing is certain – the young Frenchman is here to stay and make his mark in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.
