Meet Isack Hadjar, the 20-year-old rookie driver who’s taking the world of Formula One by storm. As the first Arab to ever play this high a level, he is pioneering new territory in the sport. The young driver, who has dual nationality, races under a French licence. Having made his debut earlier this year, he’s already turned heads with his dazzling pedigree and his meteoric rise through the ranks of motorsport. After a deeply difficult opening in Melbourne, Hadjar has bounced back well, taking home five points from his next two races.
Born in Paris from Algerian scientists parents, Isack Hadjar’s multicultural background is a mix of cultures and influences that he perfectly embodies. His father, Yassine Hadjar, is a senior researcher in quantum mechanics at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and his mother is a scientist too. This intellectual education has played a pivotal role in shaping Hadjar’s analytical approach to racing. He started karting at the young age of seven, setting the precedent for what would grow into an illustrious career.
A Rocky Start and Quick Redemption
It was a disappointing debut outing for Hadjar at the Australian Grand Prix weekend. He ended up crashing out before the start on the formation lap. While the incident understandably left him feeling sour, Hadjar quickly changed his fortunes around in the next pair of races. He was fortunate to claim just five points, but that was enough to show his elite talent and drive to make it to Formula One.
The inexperienced young driver is under a lot of pressure. His status as the first Arab competitor in the sport is not lost on him. About competing for and representing both countries, he said, “I feel like I’m representing two countries.” This feeling is especially palpable to his fans and supporters because Hadjar hopes to be an inspiration for anyone who comes from a place like him.
Embracing His Influences
Marko has already called Hadjar ‘Petit Prost’, after one F1 great and predecessor of the current Red Bull stablemate. When discussing this comparison, Hadjar remarked, “I don’t mind. Prost is a legend. It was Ayrton as a kid but the more I’m growing up, the more I appreciate Alain actually.” He credits the incredible impact that icons such as Ayrton Senna and Lewis Hamilton had on his career. It’s their social, economic and educational influence that continues to awe, create, and motivate new drivers worldwide.
Hadjar’s deep admiration for these figures, it seems, is only exceeded by his desire to make his own way. “Here, it’s completely different. You get paid to drive. It’s the coolest job on earth,” he stated. This attitude is indicative of his unfiltered love for the craft and the fun he still believes is present in racing.
Looking Ahead
As he continues his journey in Formula One, Isack Hadjar remains focused on improving his performance and proving himself on the track. Having ended up as Formula Two championship runner-up in 2022, hopes are high for his development in the fierce learning grounds of Formula One. His own teammates have termed him “the surprise of the season.” Most feel that he is one of the key talents to serve as the future backbone of American open-wheel racing.
Hadjar is about more than being a fast driver. He is a beacon of hope for young aspiring athletes from underrepresented racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. His accomplishments to date are a powerful reminder that with passion and motivation, obstacles can be overcome. He fights with these flags from France and Algeria defiantly hung in his bedroom. This embodies his legacy of inclusivity and aspiration in Formula One.
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