Hadjar Speaks Out: Leclerc’s Overtake on Russell Was Out of Bounds, But…
As the excitement builds for the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, Racing Bulls’ rising star Isack Hadjar has not held back in sharing his thoughts on the controversial overtake by Charles Leclerc on George Russell during the recent Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. This race marked a monumental moment for Hadjar, who clinched his first-ever Formula 1 podium with a commendable third place, a significant turnaround from his earlier struggles this season, including a crash during the reconnaissance lap at the Australian GP.
Hadjar, who has shown remarkable growth throughout the season, is aware that replicating his Zandvoort performance in Monza might be a tall order. “We won’t be faster than Ferrari and Mercedes this weekend,” he candidly expressed in a media session. He highlighted the unique characteristics of the Zandvoort circuit that suited his Racing Bulls car perfectly, admitting, “I was at my best all weekend. I was already content with a fifth or fourth place because I knew that was the best I could achieve. The podium was the cherry on top.”
The young Franco-Algerian driver is now at the center of speculation regarding a potential move to Red Bull in 2026, a topic he addressed with measured optimism. “Honestly, at the beginning of the year, I was asked if I felt ready to jump into the Red Bull this year, and the answer is still no. I don’t see the need for that right now. But 2026 is a different matter entirely. It will be a fresh start for the team, and everything will change,” Hadjar stated. With nine races left in the season, he is firmly focused on proving his mettle and ambitions to drive for the best team.
As for the hot topic of Leclerc’s audacious maneuver on Russell, Hadjar did not shy away from sharing his perspective. “The move was executed off the track, so it was beyond the limits. I think George was smart to leave space, but it’s unfortunate that he suffered damage from an out-of-bounds maneuver. It was a great attempt, but the rules need to be upheld,” he remarked, highlighting the fine line between aggressive racing and respecting track boundaries.
With all eyes on Monza, the stakes are high, and Hadjar’s insights could stir the pot of discussions in the F1 world. As fans eagerly await the next chapter in this unfolding drama, one thing is clear—Isack Hadjar is a name to watch in the coming years, and his journey in Formula 1 is just beginning.
