Isack Hadjar Achieves an Unexpected Podium Finish at the Dutch Grand Prix
Zandvoort, Netherlands – Isack Hadjar described his first Formula 1 podium as “unreal” after securing third place in the Dutch Grand Prix. The 20-year-old young driver shared the podium with the race winner, Oscar Piastri, and second place, Max Verstappen, in Zandvoort, after his best weekend as a Racing Bulls driver. Starting from fourth on the grid, Hadjar withstood the initial pressure from Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari and George Russell’s Mercedes, before benefiting from Lando Norris’s retirement to move up to third place.
Hadjar continued saying: “Unfortunately for Lando, we took advantage of his problem, but yes, we didn’t make any mistakes. The car was on rails all weekend and I am very happy with myself because I really maximized what I had.” “I made no mistakes and took the podium home. So yes, I am very happy for my guys.” Hadjar’s F1 career began with a spin on the formation lap at the Australian Grand Prix, but he has since scored points in seven races driving for Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls. “After what happened in Australia, in the car, obviously, I thought my life was over, but then you realize it can happen and you recover very quickly from that,” he said. “Then, having a podium without too many miracles and without much happening ahead, no, I didn’t expect it, especially so early in the season.” “Finishing fourth with pure rhythm would have been a great result. But finishing third, I’m on top of the world.” Hadjar’s podium is the first for Racing Bulls since Pierre Gasly finished third at the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when the team was called AlphaTauri.“It feels a bit unreal,” said Hadjar. “What surprised me the most is keeping that fourth place throughout the race.”
Isack Hadjar
