New Red Bull Driver Was 'Smashing the TV' After 2021 Abu Dhabi GP

Isack Hadjar, Red Bull's newly announced driver, revealed his strong allegiance to Lewis Hamilton during the dramatic 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale, expressing his frustration so intensely he was "smashing the TV" after Max Verstappen controversially snatched the title on the final lap. Despite now being part of the Red Bull family, Hadjar's candid admission highlights the emotional impact of that pivotal race.

Why it matters:

This anecdote provides a rare glimpse into a young driver's personal allegiances, especially one now signed to Red Bull, the very team that benefited from the controversial 2021 race. It humanizes the intense rivalries of F1 and shows how deeply even future competitors feel the sport's drama. It also adds a layer of irony to Hadjar's new position within the Red Bull driver development program.

The details:

• Emotional Reaction: Hadjar recounted to the Red Flags podcast that he was "all in for Lewis! No cameras, no mic, just me in front of my screen, smashing the TV, and that's it" after Verstappen's last-lap victory over Hamilton.
• Context of the 2021 Race: The 2021 Abu Dhabi GP saw Max Verstappen capitalize on a late-race safety car, triggered by Nicholas Latifi's crash, and a controversial decision by then-race director Michael Masi to allow a final racing lap, enabling Verstappen to overtake Hamilton for the championship.
• Mixed Feelings: Despite his strong support for Hamilton at the time, Hadjar expressed "mixed feelings" post-race, acknowledging his happiness for Red Bull, which he noted was the team that ultimately gave him a shot in F1, unlike Mercedes.
• Red Bull Promotion: Hadjar's promotion to Red Bull was announced recently, leading up to the Abu Dhabi weekend. He will join Max Verstappen, with Arvid Lindblad taking his seat at the Red Bull Racing Junior Team.
• Hamilton's Advice: Lewis Hamilton, seemingly unconcerned by Hadjar's Red Bull promotion, offered the young Frenchman advice ahead of what promises to be a crucial season for his burgeoning career.

What's next:

Hadjar's journey within the Red Bull program will be closely watched. His frankness about past allegiances could either be seen as refreshing honesty or a potential talking point as he integrates into a team with a strong competitive history against Hamilton. His performance in the upcoming season will be key to validating Red Bull's decision and establishing his own F1 legacy, regardless of past loyalties.