Isack Hadjar’s First Formula 1 Podium

Just 15 races into his first season in Formula 1, Rookie Isack Hadjar secured his first podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing in P3. But how did he manage to pull off this incredible feat?

(Image credit to: Motorsport.com)

Qualifying on Saturday went very well for Hadjar, as he managed to push his car to the limit, ultimately securing his place in the second row in P4. 

The Race on Sunday was a good opportunity for Hadjar to showcase his talent as he started from the front of the field. When the lights went out, he had a good start. He held his position in the early stages of the race, fighting off George Russell in the Mercedes, and remained close to the action in front, keeping Lando Norris in his sight while pushing himself and the car to the limit. However, in the later stages of the race, the McLaren of Lando Norris had engine failure, causing him to retire, which was a loss for Norris but a gain for Hadjar, boosting the RB driver into P3. 

The Frenchman had just achieved his first podium in Formula 1 as a Rookie. As he crossed the line, he began yelling down his radio, expressing his clear joy for this incredible accomplishment. After he climbed out of his car, he waved to the fans and was soon approached by Oscar Piastri, who finished P1. The two drivers exchanged a small handshake, before Hadjar ran over and jumped into the arms of his team, embracing their hugs and encouraging words. 

As Isack Hadjar walked onto the podium, the crowd erupted into cheers for the young Frenchman. He pumped his fist into the air, smiling and waving as he took his place on the platform. He stood proudly, smiling down at the cheering crowd below him, really taking in the moment. After the national anthems, the trophies were given out, and as Hadjar received his trophy, he lifted it into the air, showing everyone what he managed to pull off during the race. He placed his prize down as Verstappen and Piastri sprayed their champagne around. Hadjar quickly followed behind, spraying his team with champagne, before being showered himself.

A few days after the Dutch GP, Hadjar shared a heartfelt and passionate thought he had when he finally got his hands on the P3 trophy: “There was no words, I just went through in my mind all the struggles I’ve been facing in my career to get to F1,” he said. “That’s all I thought about, really, all the struggles and all the pain. I’m just happy I never gave up,”. Isack Hadjar had a phenomenal weekend, and he will surely remember it for the rest of his life.

Article Written by Jessica Livingstone