Isack Hadjar, the rising star from Racing Bulls, has ignited a fiery debate in the world of Formula 1 by boldly declaring his views on the legendary Ayrton Senna and the current champion Lewis Hamilton. Despite being born after Senna’s era, Hadjar holds Senna in high regard, hailing him as the fastest driver in the history of Formula 1. However, when it comes to overall greatness, he believes that title belongs to none other than the reigning maestro, Lewis Hamilton.
In a recent interview on the official Formula 1 podcast, ‘Beyond the Grid,’ Hadjar delved into the nuances that differentiate Senna and Hamilton in his eyes. He expressed, “For me, Senna is the fastest driver of all time, but the best driver of all time is Lewis Hamilton, the best in Formula 1 overall, but the fastest, undoubtedly, is Ayrton, whether it’s dry, wet, mixed conditions, it’s him.”
Hadjar continued to shower praise on Hamilton’s exceptional talent, highlighting his remarkable race pace and unparalleled Sunday performances. He marveled at Hamilton’s ability to climb from the back of the grid to challenge the frontrunners and emphasized the Briton’s supremacy in terms of racecraft and strategic overtaking maneuvers. According to Hadjar, Hamilton’s dominance on race days sets him apart from his peers, making him a formidable force on the track.
Beyond the comparison between Senna and Hamilton, Hadjar also drew inspiration from other former world champions on the current grid, singling out Max Verstappen for his impressive qualifying performances this season. He commended Verstappen’s composure under pressure, especially during the final qualifying attempts, where the Dutch driver consistently extracts maximum performance from his car. Hadjar acknowledged Verstappen as a benchmark in Formula 1 at present, admiring his ability to push the limits and deliver exceptional results when it matters most.
As Hadjar’s insights continue to fuel discussions among fans and experts alike, the ongoing debate over the greatest driver in Formula 1 history rages on. Will Hamilton’s consistent brilliance and record-breaking achievements cement his legacy as the GOAT, or does Senna’s raw speed and fearless driving style still hold the key to true greatness on the racetrack? Only time will tell as these titans of the sport etch their names in the annals of Formula 1 history.