Racing Bulls hero: Isack Hadjar takes maiden podium and says “this is just the beginning” | F1 Dutch GP. Isack Hadjar secured his first ever Formula 1 podium at the Dutch GP in Zandvoort.

A fairytale podium for Isack Hadjar: “Surreal feeling, but this is only the first step”

It was a Sunday that Isack Hadjar will remember for a very long time, the day that gave him his first career podium in Formula 1 during his debut season. After securing a brilliant fourth place in qualifying, the Frenchman drove a flawless race, keeping Charles Leclerc behind him and taking advantage of Lando Norris’s late retirement to turn a dream into reality.

From Q1 elimination risk to first podium in Formula 1

From the risk of being knocked out in Q1 to celebrating on the podium: Hadjar experienced two incredible days at Zandvoort. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, as dramatic as the sand dunes that surround the Dutch circuit. In just a few decisive moments, his weekend changed course, starting with that perfect lap in Q3 when everything clicked into place exactly as he wanted.

At the right place at the right time, one might say, though Hadjar was quick to underline the merits of his Racing Bulls car, which was “exactly how he wanted it” when the opportunity arose. That allowed him to extract the crucial tenths needed to spring the surprise of the weekend with fourth on the grid – a result that already promised a big points haul.

Isack Hadjar holds off Ferrari and Mercedes pressure

Before the race, there was no certainty that he could hold on to that fourth place on Sunday. The threat of slipping behind the Ferraris and George Russell’s Mercedes loomed large, especially if their race pace had proved superior to that of the VCARB02.

However, Hadjar did not put a foot wrong. He drove with authority and composure, defending against Charles Leclerc in the early stages despite the Monegasque repeatedly showing himself aggressively under braking to attempt a move. The tight layout of the Zandvoort circuit certainly helped the Racing Bulls driver, limiting overtaking opportunities. But equally important was the versatility of the VCARB02, one of the most balanced midfield cars, especially effective through medium and low-speed corners – the very sections where Hadjar built the margins to stay ahead of Ferrari.

Flawless execution under pressure

Not even two Safety Car periods and several interruptions shook Hadjar’s composure. On the contrary, in the second stint on the hard tyres he even managed to stretch his advantage over Leclerc, building a comfortable cushion that allowed him to manage the closing stages of the Grand Prix. For most of the race his result looked set to be an excellent fourth place, but when Lando Norris retired just seven laps from the end, the Frenchman was elevated to third position – securing his maiden Formula 1 podium in the year of his debut.

Hadjar: “It feels almost unreal”

“It feels almost unreal,” said a jubilant Hadjar after leaping into the arms of his Racing Bulls mechanics, who celebrated the achievement with him.

“What surprised me the most was being able to hold on to fourth place for the entire race. Unfortunately for Lando he had to retire, and we took advantage of that. We didn’t make any mistakes. The car was glued to the track all weekend and I’m really happy with myself because I made the most of everything I had. I didn’t make a single mistake and I brought home the podium. I’m so happy for my guys.”

“This is just the first step”

The French driver then added: “It’s always been my goal since I was a kid. This is the first step, my first podium, and I hope many more will come.” With this achievement, Hadjar has further strengthened his credentials as a leading candidate to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026. A decision is expected in October, giving Yuki Tsunoda time to prove his worth before Red Bull finalises its driver line-up.