In a stunning endorsement that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, Guenther Steiner has declared Isack Hadjar the “rookie of the year,” following an impressive season where Hadjar secured 12th place in the drivers’ standings, amassing a commendable 51 points. This achievement puts him ahead of his Racing Bulls teammate Liam Lawson, who finished in 14th with 38 points. Hadjar’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering his rocky start to the season, which included a catastrophic crash during the formation lap of the Australian Grand Prix. However, he rebounded spectacularly, clinching his first grand prix podium with a stellar third-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Steiner elaborated on his choice during a revealing interview on The Red Flags Podcast, stating, “Isack Hadjar. Because over the season, he was the guy who was… I mean, they all did well, but Kimi [Antonelli] struggled a few times badly, Isack just struggled in Australia.” Notably, Hadjar’s ability to recover from that early setback and come back with renewed focus in China showcased his mental toughness and determination.
Starting his rookie season alongside seasoned driver Yuki Tsunoda, Hadjar quickly faced a significant transition when Lawson replaced Tsunoda after just two races. Steiner believes this change could have made Hadjar’s challenge even more formidable. “If Hadjar had had an experienced team-mate, you learn quicker. He had to do it all himself,” Steiner commented, emphasizing the isolation Hadjar experienced throughout the season. Lacking a veteran teammate to lean on for guidance, Hadjar had to navigate the complexities of racing independently, from setup choices to racing lines. Steiner expressed immense respect for Hadjar’s ability to thrive under such circumstances.
Looking ahead, Hadjar’s future is set to shine even brighter as he gears up to join the elite ranks of Red Bull Racing alongside four-time champion Max Verstappen in 2026. This partnership comes at a pivotal moment as the Milton Keynes team grapples with the challenge of finding a driver capable of matching Verstappen’s extraordinary performance levels. Steiner noted that Hadjar may have a unique advantage: “He has got that chance which should be an advantage that he doesn’t come in with a car which Max knows in and out and he doesn’t.” Both drivers will be stepping into a new vehicle under the upcoming regulation changes, leveling the playing field in an unprecedented way.
While the prospect of challenging a driver of Verstappen’s caliber is daunting, Steiner expressed strong confidence in Hadjar’s potential, suggesting that he could apply pressure on the reigning champion. “I think he can keep the pressure on Max. That is what I expect from him because he’s doing well.” With such high expectations set, Isack Hadjar is poised to make waves in Formula 1, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how he rises to the occasion in the seasons to come.
