Rookie Hadjar Celebrates First Formula 1 Podium at Dutch GP

In a remarkable achievement, Isaac Hadjar secured his first podium finish in Formula 1 during the Dutch Grand Prix held on September 3, 2023, at the Zandvoort circuit. The 20-year-old rookie finished third after starting from fourth on the grid, benefiting from the retirement of fellow competitor Lando Norris.

Hadjar’s performance was a testament to his composure under pressure. He successfully fended off challenges from both a Ferrari and a Mercedes in the early stages of the race. When Norris, who was in second place, was forced to retire, Hadjar seized the opportunity to move up to the podium. “It feels a bit unreal,” Hadjar remarked post-race. “What was most surprising to me is keeping that fourth place for the whole race.”

Resilience Shines Through

Reflecting on his journey, Hadjar recalled the challenges he faced earlier in the season, particularly during the Australian Grand Prix, where he experienced a spin on the formation lap. “After what happened in Australia, in the car, obviously, I thought my life was over, but then you realise it can happen and you bounce back very quickly from that,” he explained. His determination has paid off, as he has now scored points in seven races while driving for Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls.

Hadjar continued, “Already finishing fourth on pure pace would have been a mighty result. But finishing third, I’m just over the moon.” His podium finish marks the first for Racing Bulls since Pierre Gasly achieved a third-place finish at the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix when the team was known as AlphaTauri.

A Promising Future

The young driver expressed gratitude towards his team, stating, “The car was on rails the whole weekend, and I’m really happy about myself because I maximised what I had. Made no mistakes and brought home the podium. So yeah, I’m so happy for my guys.” His words reflect both his excitement and the supportive atmosphere within the Racing Bulls team.

Hadjar’s performance in Zandvoort not only showcases his potential but also highlights the competitive spirit within Formula 1. The Dutch Grand Prix served as a platform for this rising star to demonstrate his capabilities, setting the stage for what could be a promising career ahead.