Isack Hadjar admits debut nerves but remains determined, targeting teammate Tsunoda as he prepares for a demanding first F1 season.
Isack Hadjar will begin next year as a full-time F1 driver with Racing Bulls. The French driver spoke to Canal+ during the FFSA awards evening, sharing his thoughts on what it means to compete in Formula 1 and the immense responsibility that comes with being a driver at the highest level.
“I haven’t realized it yet; I haven’t taken the time to process it. It feels normal because the goal has always been to reach F1. What I want to achieve in F1 is very different, but getting there is the ultimate reward because I’ll be judged on my performance. I’m really in a professional environment,” said Hadjar.
“I can feel it a bit, especially when I visit the factory and see how many people are working for two guys, for two cars, at 20 years old… it’s overwhelming, in a good way, but it shows you need to be strong not just on track but also know how to lead and inspire the team.”
After completing several free practice sessions, Hadjar is set to take part in full race weekends, and he is eager to experience it: “Now I’ll do FP2, FP3, qualifying, wow! It’s huge. I remember my first FP1 in Mexico; it was the best hour of my life.”
“I told myself I wished I could stay for FP2, but I had to work for it, to earn it. I feel lucky, and it’s real. I think I’ll fully realize it during pre-season testing in Bahrain, sharing the track with [Fernando] Alonso, [Lewis] Hamilton, and Max [Verstappen]!”
The 2024 F2 vice-champion acknowledges the significant leap required to debut in the top category and admits to being impressed: “It’s impressive. The fact that it’s so hard to grasp the bigger picture shows just how massive it is.”
“And I’m scared; I know my experience in F1 is limited, and the field is incredibly competitive. But once I get in the car, I’ll want to beat Tsunoda! That’s how it is— in F1, we don’t all have the same car, so that’s my only target. But stepping into such an environment is a bit intimidating.”
Asked about what worries him the most about starting strong, he explained what he believes will be the biggest challenge in Formula 1: “I think it will be managing all the demands in general and focusing my energy on what’s essential, making sure I start each weekend fresh and ready.”
“But I’m realistic; I know it will be tough in the first races, and I’ll need to stay resilient. If I’m behind my teammate in terms of performance, I’ll have to keep my head up and keep working. I’m prepared for that—I’m aware of it. It’s December, and preparation starts now.”
Hadjar has already promised to keep his hunger for success while aiming to control his emotions: “I’ll keep my drive, my desire to win. But I’ll manage my emotions. I know the team I’m joining—they don’t like when the radio button is overused, so I’ll have to work on that.”
His debut will take place in Melbourne, and he’s thrilled about it: “That track means a lot to me because I went through a year and a half without a podium, from F3 to my second year in F2. It was there that I had a breakthrough, so starting my first F1 race there is really special to me.”
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Hadjar Braces for F1 Challenges – Sets Sights on Tsunoda Hadjar Braces for F1 Challenges – Sets Sights on Tsunoda
