Confident Hadjar Responds to Helmut Marko's Praise
F1 rookie Isack Hadjar has earned rare praise from Helmut Marko for his exceptional adaptability and strong performances, including a podium finish and a P6 in Las Vegas. Hadjar, who is confident in his ability to quickly master new circuits, sees his skill as a significant advantage for the upcoming 2026 technical regulations, positioning him as a valuable asset for Red Bull's future. His remarkable turnaround since the start of the season highlights his potential.
Isack Hadjar, the F1 rookie, has consistently impressed Helmut Marko throughout the 2025 season, earning recent praise from the Red Bull advisor for his adaptability and strong performance, particularly after a sixth-place finish in Las Vegas. Hadjar, who secured his first podium at the Dutch Grand Prix, acknowledges Marko's rare public commendation and believes his rapid adaptation to new circuits will be a significant asset as F1 prepares for new technical regulations in 2026.
Why it matters:
Isack Hadjar's impressive rookie season and Helmut Marko's endorsement signal a strong future for the young driver within the Red Bull ecosystem. His ability to quickly adapt to unfamiliar tracks is a coveted skill, especially with significant technical changes looming in 2026, positioning him as a valuable asset for teams navigating a new era of Formula 1. This adaptability could give him a crucial edge over more experienced drivers who might struggle with the transition.
The Details:
- Early Season Turnaround: Hadjar faced criticism from Marko after crashing out during the formation lap of the Australian Grand Prix, but has since made a remarkable recovery, showcasing significant progress and maturity.
- Consistent Performance: He secured his maiden F1 podium at the Dutch Grand Prix earlier this season, demonstrating his potential to compete at the front.
- Las Vegas Success: At the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hadjar was exceptionally fast, consistently placing within the Top 10 in every session and finishing sixth in the race.
- Marko's Acknowledgment: Helmut Marko, known for his critical assessments, recently praised Hadjar for his ability to quickly adapt to new circuits, a rare public compliment from the Red Bull top advisor.
- Hadjar's Reaction: Hadjar expressed that Marko's praise 'means a lot' and that he 'agrees with it,' highlighting his confidence in his own hard work and rapid learning curve. He noted, "He doesn't highlight my quality in front of me, that's for sure! It's not something he does."
What's next:
Hadjar's rapid adaptability is expected to be a major advantage with the introduction of new technical regulations in 2026. He commented, "In my life I've never repeated a season with the same car... I don't know what it's like to have two seasons." This unique experience of constantly learning new machinery could give him a head start in mastering the new generation of F1 cars, potentially cementing his place within the Red Bull driver lineup for years to come. Red Bull's driver announcements for 2026 are expected soon, with Hadjar's seat security seemingly assured.