Following an unexpected month-long hiatus in the Formula One calendar—triggered by the cancellation of races in Jeddah and Bahrain—the Miami Grand Prix marks a pivotal moment for a season that is only just beginning to find its rhythm. For Red Bull Racing’s Isack Hadjar, this return is particularly significant as the team continues to refine a car that faced early challenges, providing a high-stakes backdrop for their newest star to prove his mettle on the global stage.
The 21-year-old French-Algerian sensation made history last year as the first driver of Arab heritage to compete in Formula One after a “barnstorming” rookie season with VCARB. So much so that Hadjar was fast-tracked to Red Bull Racing, where he now competes alongside four-time World Champion Max Verstappen.
Ahead of the Miami weekend, fans can gain an intimate look at his meteoric rise in the new documentary, My Road To Red Bull, will be available on beIN’s streaming platform TOD across the MENA region and Türkiye, as well as on beIN Sports channels from April 30.
Here, he tells Esquire Middle East, that he is only just getting started
ESQ: So three races in as a Red Bull Racing driver, how do you feel your season has gone so far? What would you give yourself out of 10?
IH: Honestly, I would say about 8, or 8.2. I had a spin in China – which is the only mistake that I’ve made in a race all year. We might not have had the results, but when I compare myself to Max [Verstappen], my pace is right up there, so I’m definitely happy with myself so far.
ESQ: How did you deal with having an unexpected month-long break?
IH: It was good and, to be honest, we needed it. I was quite happy not to have to do another couple of races with the car that we had for the first three – so it was a welcome situation in terms of allowing us to work on improving the car.
ESQ: The two Grand Prixes that were cancelled were ones in the Middle East – Jeddah and Bahrain. Were you particularly disappointed because they are ones where you have a lot of support?
IH: Absolutely, because of the support that I get there. I also really enjoy racing in Jeddah, as it is an exciting track – so that was annoying, but hopefully we will be still get to go racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi towards the end of the year.
ESQ: It’s true that as well as representing France, you are affectionately considered as a ‘home’ driver for us here in the Middle East. As there is no French Grand Prix on the calendar, which track do you consider your ‘home’ race?
IH: A home race doesn’t have to be related to geography, but rather somewhere where I feel a connection to the culture. I’m the first driver with an Arab heritage to make it to Formula One, so I feel a huge amount of support when racing in the Middle East. It is really a special thing, and I am proud about it.
ESQ: After only one year in Formula One, you were effectively promoted from the VCARB team to the much more competitive Red Bull Racing team alongside four-time World Champion, Max Verstappen. How big a difference is it for a driver?
IH: You really feel the difference, to be honest. The garage is constantly moving, and it is very obvious that mediocrity isn’t accepted there. Even though the team is going through a difficult moment, you can see it on everyone’s face that they know they are not where they belong. The will to win that the team has is not something I have ever experienced before, which is probably why they have won so many championships.
ESQ: Do you feel that extra pressure to deliver?
IH: Not really. The pressure from other people for me to deliver doesn’t scare me, because I hold myself to even higher expectations. I am here to do one thing, and that is beat everyone else. In fact, I probably felt more pressure last year [at VCARB], because I was a rookie, and you only have one chance to prove yourself so you need to deliver fast. Now with Red Bull Racing it feels different, I have proved that I can do it, and I know I will deliver.
ESQ: Were you surprised how quick you were promoted to a car at the front of the grid?
IH: That was always my goal when getting to Formula One. My trajectory was to reach Red Bull, and if it only took a year then that is what it took. Last year was my best year of racing in my career, and if they promoted me then it’s because they know what they are doing, so it worked out perfectly.
ESQ: I want to take you back to your first ever Formula One Grand Prix, in Australia last year, when you spun on the Formation Lap even before the race had started. It takes a lot of character to recover from something like that. How much does the ability to not dwell on mistakes and refocus on the next race matter?
IH: It’s important in life, not only in racing. It’s something that you acquire during the journey. In my entire racing career, I’ve probably had 85 percent tough races, and 15 percent good ones – and that is how it goes. You don’t win all the time, and that is something experience teaches you. Perhaps knowing that allows me to handle things better than the other guys.
ESQ: You mentioned experience. This is a very young line-up of Formula One drivers – you are still only 21, yourself. Is it a sign that teams today are willing to back the fearlessness of youth over drivers with hundreds of races experience?
IH: I believe that if you’re talented enough then you need to let the kids have their shot – and that’s how it works. The older guys have had their shot and if they are not fast enough, there are plenty of other drivers wanting to take their spot. If the young kids are hungry and very fast, then you should let them race.
ESQ: You said that you hold yourself to an even higher standard than is expected of you. So, what would a successful season look like to you?
IH: For my own satisfaction, I would want to see how I get on compared to the best drivers on the grid. I arrived in a year when all the regulations were already set, and you just had to drive the car. This year is a lot more challenging, so I want to help the team push and fight for more podiums, which is an exciting journey for me as it’s not something I have experience a lot of in Formula One…yet.
‘Isack Hadjar: My Road To Red Bull’ is available to stream on TOD from April 30