Isack Hadjar Reveals Cool-Down Room Blunder After First F1 Podium
15 January 2026motorsportRumorDriver Ratings

Isack Hadjar Reveals Cool-Down Room Blunder After First F1 Podium

Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar secured his first F1 podium at Zandvoort but admitted he was completely unprepared for the post-race procedures, lacking a towel and fresh suit unlike his rivals.

Isack Hadjar secured a stunning third-place finish at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, marking his first Formula 1 podium in his rookie season. However, the Racing Bulls driver revealed that his celebration was nearly overshadowed by a lack of preparation for the post-race formalities, specifically in the cool-down room where he was caught off guard by the procedures compared to his experienced rivals.

Why it matters:

Hadjar's candid admission highlights the steep learning curve rookies face in F1 beyond just driving the car. As he prepares to step up to Red Bull in 2026 alongside Max Verstappen, understanding these nuances and professional protocols is crucial for his development into a top-tier driver capable of handling the sport's unique pressures and expectations.

The details:

  • The Cool-Down Confusion: Hadjar found himself unprepared while sitting alongside race winner Oscar Piastri and Verstappen. The veterans arrived with trainers and custom towels to efficiently change out of their sweaty race suits, while Hadjar turned to his physio, Harry, only to realize neither of them had brought one.
  • The "Stink" Factor: The rookie noted that his rivals immediately changed into fresh suits for the post-race press conference to avoid smelling of sweat, a detail Hadjar hadn't anticipated. He admitted to being amazed by their level of preparation, contrasting their fresh appearance with his own.
  • Crowd Reaction: Despite the wardrobe mishap, the moment remained surreal for the French-Algerian driver. He described the electric atmosphere when he parked at P3, noting that as he jumped out and waved to the grandstand, the crowd roared back, making him realize the magnitude of his achievement.

What's next:

This podium serves as a significant milestone in Hadjar's rapid ascent through the ranks. With a confirmed Red Bull seat for 2026, the rookie will look to translate these learning experiences into consistent competitiveness as he becomes Max Verstappen's new teammate.