Isack Hadjar Reveals the Most Important Lesson He Learned from Watching Lewis H… read more
Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar has emerged as one of the most exciting revelations of the 2025 Formula 1 season. While the focus leading into the year was centered on the likes of Kimi Antonelli and Ollie Bearman, it is the young Frenchman who has truly turned heads with his composed performances and fearless overtaking maneuvers. At just 20 years old, Hadjar has shown a level of maturity and calmness that belies his age, regularly challenging more experienced drivers and racking up crucial points for his team. But according to the Red Bull junior, much of his mental and professional approach can be traced back to the influence of a childhood hero: Lewis Hamilton.
In a recent interview, Hadjar opened up about the inspiration he drew from watching the seven-time world champion. “Growing up, Lewis was someone I really looked up to—not just because of the wins or the titles, but because of how he carried himself through adversity,” Hadjar said. “The biggest thing I learned from him was how to stay calm under pressure, even when everything around you is falling apart. That mindset is something I’ve really tried to adopt in my own career.”
Hadjar explained that Hamilton’s early struggles in F1, his defiance in the face of criticism, and his ability to bounce back stronger after every setback left a lasting impression on him. As a teenager watching Hamilton’s battles with Ferrari, Red Bull, and his own teammates, Hadjar was more interested in the psychological warfare than just the wheel-to-wheel action. “It was the way Lewis would remain focused and composed even after something went wrong—a poor qualifying session, a strategic error, or an on-track incident. He wouldn’t lash out or get flustered. He’d just come back and deliver,” he explained.
This admiration has clearly shaped Hadjar’s approach in his rookie campaign. Though Racing Bulls are not yet competing for podiums, Hadjar has already established himself as a reliable and resilient competitor. He’s maintained composure in difficult situations—like being knocked out in Q1 at Miami or suffering a late puncture in Imola—but always returns stronger the following race weekend. Those who work closely with Hadjar say he’s incredibly self-analytical and mentally grounded, traits that echo Hamilton’s methodical nature in and out of the car.
Despite the generation gap, Hadjar has also shown a modern understanding of the importance of representation and resilience—values Hamilton has championed throughout his career. The young driver praised Hamilton for breaking barriers and paving the way for diversity in motorsport. “What Lewis did went far beyond racing. He showed kids from every background that they could dream of reaching the top, no matter what people said or where they came from. That meant a lot to me growing up,” Hadjar noted.
Now finding his own place in the F1 paddock, Hadjar hopes to continue learning—not just from Hamilton’s legacy, but also from observing current drivers. With Red Bull keeping a close eye on his development, there’s already speculation that Hadjar could be a future candidate for a senior team seat. For now, he remains grounded, focused on scoring points and soaking in every experience.
“Every race is a learning opportunity,” Hadjar said. “I still watch the top drivers closely—how they prepare, how they adapt mid-race, how they speak to their engineers. You never stop learning in Formula 1. Watching Lewis growing up gave me the blueprint. Now I just want to keep refining it.”
In a season where rookies are under intense scrutiny, Hadjar’s cool-headed consistency and philosophical outlook—shaped in part by watching Hamilton’s evolution—have made him one of the most respected new faces on the grid. Whether he becomes a world champion or not, it’s clear that Hadjar is building his foundation on the principles of calm, class, and character—exactly what he admired most in Lewis Hamilton.
