The legend and the rookie
France has produced only one Formula 1 world champion in its history. But what a champion: Alain Prost, four-time world champion and the fifth most successful driver in history, with 51 Grand Prix wins from 199 races. A living legend. Now, carrying the red, white, and blue on track is a young Parisian talent, Isack Hadjar, who completed his debut season in the F1 Circus in 2025.
Isack Hadjar’s rise has been rapid. After a first-ever F1 race incident during the formation lap, the 21-year-old improved remarkably, even scoring a podium at Zandvoort. His performances earned him the second seat at Red Bull for 2026, alongside another four-time world champion, Max Verstappen.
A meeting in Abu Dhabi
At the final Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi, Isack Hadjar met Alain Prost. The Racing Bulls driver presented the legend—who raced for McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams—with the helmet he had used during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend. Isack Hadjar’s helmet featured a celebratory livery inspired by Prost’s iconic design and commemorated Prost’s 1990 victory at the same circuit, where he had won starting from 13th on the grid.
The two generations of French motorsport then had a long conversation, partially captured by Canal+, the French TV network. In a brief interview, Alain Prost described Isack Hadjar as a driver with a “very strong personality. So he doesn’t need to resemble anyone in particular. He might not appeal to everyone, but it’s incredibly interesting to see how he behaves and, above all, the performances he can achieve.”
A mentor’s offer
During their discussion, Prost also offered Isack Hadjar support and guidance throughout his career, sharing advice that only a four-time world champion can give. “Good luck and all the best for the future,” Prost told the Parisian rookie. “I was talking with your father: if you ever need advice, I won’t give it on car setup. However, regarding how to manage what I’ve lived through, I’d be happy to share it with you. I’ll do it just for you, because it’s worth it. Don’t hesitate, really.”
This moment represents a true passing of the torch between two generations of drivers, and Alain Prost’s advice could prove invaluable to Isack Hadjar as he navigates the Red Bull garage alongside Max Verstappen in 2026.
In summary, four-time F1 World Champion Alain Prost has officially offered his mentorship to fellow countryman Isack Hadjar following the rookie’s impressive debut season. Having recovered from early-career setbacks to earn a 2026 promotion to Red Bull, Hadjar now has the unique opportunity to draw on Prost’s vast experience in handling the mental and political pressures of the sport. As Hadjar prepares to face the formidable challenge of being Max Verstappen’s teammate, this “French alliance” could prove to be a decisive factor in his development as a top-tier driver.
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