Steiner Hails Hadjar as 'Rookie of the Year' After Resilient Season
Guenther Steiner named Isack Hadjar his "rookie of the year," impressed by his resilience after a disastrous debut. This performance earned the Frenchman a coveted 2026 seat at Red Bull.
Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner has hailed Isack Hadjar as his "rookie of the year," praising the Frenchman's exceptional mental fortitude throughout a challenging debut season. Despite a nightmare start in Australia and a lack of an experienced teammate for reference, Hadjar's impressive recovery and consistent performances earned him a surprise podium and a coveted promotion to Red Bull for 2026.
Why it matters:
In a sport where mental strength is as critical as raw speed, Hadjar's ability to rebound from a disastrous debut sets him apart. Steiner's endorsement carries significant weight, and his analysis points to a driver who thrives under pressure—a key trait needed to succeed alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Hadjar's journey from a first-lap retirement to a top team showcases a resilience that could define the next generation of F1 stars.
The details:
- Melbourne Misery: Hadjar's season began with a crash on the formation lap in Australia. Steiner highlighted his immediate mental reset, noting, "He recovered... and was back with his head on his shoulders the next race in China."
- Flying Solo: The Racing Bulls team dynamic shifted early, with Yuki Tsunoda moving to Red Bull and Liam Lawson arriving. Steiner emphasized Hadjar's disadvantage: "He had to do it all himself... He was on his own. I give him a lot of respect for that."
- Strong Results: Hadjar finished 12th in the championship with 51 points, outscoring Lawson, and secured a stunning third-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix for his first F1 podium.
What's next:
Hadjar's resilience has been rewarded with a high-pressure, high-reward move to Red Bull Racing in 2026, where he will partner four-time world champion Max Verstappen. Steiner believes the sweeping new technical regulations for 2026 could work in Hadjar's favor. "They both know nothing about the car. So that is to his advantage," Steiner said. While challenging Verstappen is a monumental task, Hadjar has already proven his ability to handle adversity.