Imagine watching your childhood hero's reign come to an end in the most controversial way possible, all while knowing you’re about to join the team that just took the title. That’s exactly what Isack Hadjar experienced during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and his reaction was nothing short of explosive. In a recent interview on The Red Flags Podcast, Hadjar revealed that he was literally smashing his TV as he watched Max Verstappen snatch the championship from Lewis Hamilton in the final moments of the race. But here’s where it gets complicated: despite his emotional outburst, Hadjar admits to having mixed feelings about the outcome.
Hadjar, who is set to race alongside Verstappen for Red Bull in 2026, explained his conflicting emotions: ‘I was happy for Red Bull because, at the end of the day, it’s not Mercedes that gave me a shot at F1. But I felt bad for [Hamilton].’ This duality highlights the intricate loyalties and emotions that come with being part of the high-stakes world of Formula 1. And this is the part most people miss: even within the same team, drivers can have wildly different perspectives on the sport’s most polarizing moments.
Growing up, Hamilton was Hadjar’s idol. ‘I remember watching TV as a kid, hoping he wouldn’t retire,’ he recalled. ‘I wanted to get to F1 while he was still racing.’ Fast forward to today, and Hadjar’s first full season in F1 coincides with Hamilton’s debut at Ferrari—a moment Hadjar calls ‘quite iconic.’ He even got to race against his hero several times this year, describing it as ‘a huge privilege.’
But don’t expect Hadjar to show Hamilton any special treatment on the track. When asked if he’d ever ‘open the door’ for the seven-time world champion, his answer was a firm no. ‘I have incredible respect for him, but this is racing,’ he said. That’s the kind of competitive spirit Red Bull likely sees in him, earning him a promotion to race alongside Verstappen after a solid 2025 season, where he scored 51 points and secured a podium finish.
But here’s the controversial question: Can a driver truly separate their personal feelings from their professional ambitions? Hadjar’s story raises intriguing debates about loyalty, ambition, and the emotional toll of racing at the highest level. As he steps into a ‘new era of Formula 1,’ he’s not just racing against his childhood hero—he’s also navigating the complexities of being part of a team with a history of divisive victories. ‘It’s a very good moment in my career,’ he said, ‘but it’s just the beginning of a new journey.’
What do you think? Can Hadjar’s mixed emotions be justified, or should team loyalty always come first? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions!
