In an unexpected twist, Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar candidly recalled how he initially dismissed Red Bull’s Helmut Marko’s interest. Imagine telling one of the most influential figures in Formula 1 to get lost, assuming it was all a joke!
Isack Hadjar, the fresh face of the F1 2025 grid, has quickly made a name for himself by scoring 15 points in his first eight grands prix, surpassing his former teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who moved up to the main Red Bull team early in the season. Hadjar joined the Red Bull Junior Team back in 2022, showcasing his talent in Formula 3 and Formula 2. However, his journey to F1 began after a victorious race in the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix, prompting a meeting with Marko that forever changed his career trajectory.
Recalling the pivotal moment, Hadjar shared, ‘We had just walked in when my trainer said he got a call: ‘Helmut Marko wants to meet you.” His initial reaction was disbelief, thinking it was a prank until the truth sank in. They hastily made their way to meet Marko, who kept it short and sweet, telling Hadjar, ‘I’ll send you a contract. That’s it.’ It was an atypical introduction to the F1 world, but it set the wheels in motion for Hadjar’s racing dreams.
Hadjar’s rise wasn’t communicated with grand, direct gestures. He humorously noted how the news of his joining F1 wasn’t explicitly conveyed. ‘I never got a call saying I’d be a Formula 1 driver,’ he revealed, highlighting how good news is sparingly dished out in his racing circles. Instead, it was during a simulator session that he was casually informed he would be heading to Faenza, Italy, a cryptic nod towards his promising future in the sport.
Helmut Marko expressed his surprise at Hadjar’s impressive start, stating that everywhere they go, Hadjar is immediately on pace, delivering remarkable performances. He admitted that while they expected Hadjar to be fast, his consistency and ease on the track exceeded expectations. This acknowledgment from Marko stands as a testament to Hadjar’s tenacity and natural skill.
Hadjar’s journey reflects a classic underdog story transitioning into elite motorsport, with his past achievements in F3 and F2 culminating in his entry into the prestigious F1 circle. With his results catching the attention of racing enthusiasts and experts alike, Hadjar’s journey from disbelief to recognition in the fast-paced world of Formula 1 has been nothing short of dramatic.
Isack Hadjar’s path to Formula 1 is a reminder of how unexpected opportunities often mark the beginning of incredible journeys. His ability to rise to the challenge and prove his worth on the track makes him a standout talent, poised for a long and successful career in racing.
