Isack Hadjar shares key lesson learned from observing Lewis Hamilton's rise

Isack Hadjar’s Rise: From Watching Lewis Hamilton on TV to Becoming Red Bull’s Top Prospect

Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar has emerged as one of the most unexpected revelations of the 2025 Formula 1 season. While pre-season conversations focused on which of the six full-time rookies might have the greatest impact, Hadjar’s name rarely appeared in those discussions. Yet after nine rounds, he is arguably the standout newcomer on the grid.

The 22-year-old French driver was a late addition to the Racing Bulls line-up, joining the team only after Red Bull made the surprise decision to part ways with Sergio Perez. That shake-up led to Liam Lawson being promoted to the senior team, leaving Hadjar to step into the vacancy. Despite finishing as the 2024 Formula 2 runner-up behind Gabriel Bortoleto, Hadjar entered the sport with far less hype than fellow rookies Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman.

Nonetheless, Hadjar’s performances have drawn praise throughout the paddock, with 1996 World Champion Damon Hill admitting he was taken aback by the young driver’s composure and speed—echoing a sentiment shared by many within the F1 community.

Off the track, Hadjar has also drawn attention for his connection with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. During his Formula 1 debut weekend in Australia, Hadjar suffered a crash on the formation lap, but it was Hamilton’s father, Anthony Hamilton, who offered him comfort in the aftermath. Born in 2004, Hadjar was only three years old when Hamilton made his debut with McLaren in 2007—yet the Briton would become a central figure in Hadjar’s motorsport inspiration.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, Hadjar reflected on his childhood admiration for Hamilton. He described the experience of now sharing the grid with a driver he had supported since he was a child as surreal. He noted the mutual respect between them, while also acknowledging the generational gap. Hadjar also appreciated his interactions with Anthony Hamilton, describing their relationship as warm and supportive.

When asked whether the Ferrari driver had offered him advice, Hadjar made it clear that while there is mutual respect, Hamilton rarely provides guidance—primarily because they are now rivals.

He added that he prefers learning independently and does not typically seek help, explaining that self-discovery is a key part of his growth as a driver.

Reflecting on his formative years as a Formula 1 fan, Isack Hadjar revealed that it was Hamilton’s driving style during his dominant Mercedes era that left the biggest impression on him.

He explained that rather than watching the full Grand Prix broadcast, he would focus exclusively on Lewis Hamilton’s onboard camera footage to study how the Brit managed his races. He credited those sessions with teaching him invaluable lessons about racecraft and strategy.

Interestingly, when asked if he had learned anything from fellow F1 veteran Fernando Alonso, Hadjar acknowledged the Spaniard’s presence but reiterated that it was Lewis Hamilton whose style he gravitated toward the most.
The fact that Hadjar’s greatest learning moments came from Hamilton’s Mercedes years—long after the British driver’s McLaren debut—only highlights just how young this generation of rookies is, and how far the sport has evolved since then.

Despite having just nine Grand Prix entries—and only eight actual race starts—speculation about Hadjar’s future is already intensifying. Red Bull’s long-standing struggle to find a consistent and competitive teammate for Max Verstappen continues, with Yuki Tsunoda underperforming and Liam Lawson already given a previous opportunity that didn’t solidify his place.

Isack Hadjar is now being touted as the leading contender to replace Tsunoda, with many viewing him as Red Bull’s next Formula 1 driver.

However, whether the team chooses to promote him so early in his career remains to be seen. Commentator David Croft has already expressed caution, warning against rushing Hadjar into a high-pressure role before he’s fully ready.

Still, with his composed demeanor, impressive pace, and growing maturity, Hadjar is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most in-form drivers on the grid—placing him firmly on Red Bull’s radar for the future.