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F1 Rookie Reveals What Makes Lewis Hamilton So Dangerous on Sundays

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 12:56 PM ET

Few drivers have left a deeper imprint on F1 than Lewis Hamilton and rising star Isack Hadjar just spelled out exactly why.

Speaking candidly about the seven-time world champion, Hadjar praised Hamilton’s race-day mastery, calling it the most impressive part of his game. “For me, it’s all about his race pace,” Hadjar said. “Like how he can start from the very back and end up racing George, you know?”

Referring to Hamilton’s comeback drives in the 2024 season and consistency under pressure, Hadjar pointed how Hamilton regularly turns difficult grid positions into podium fights, often battling his teammates like George Russell even after starting near the back.

“It’s this race pace advantage he had on his teammates when he was with Valtteri [Bottas] as well,” he added.

What truly separates Hamilton, according to the 19-year-old French rookie, is his approach in traffic. “When he was in the pack, he was always having this different approach, different lines… avoiding dirty air,” Hadjar explained. “If there’s like this train of DRS cars and everyone is six tenths apart, he would have three tenths to the car ahead.”

In Hadjar’s words, Hamilton’s “Sunday drive is mighty,” a testament to his adaptability, tire management, and instinctive racecraft honed over nearly two decades at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Q: What is it about Lewis that impresses you so [much]?

Isack Hadjar: "If you look at until last year, on Sunday, for me, it's all about his race pace. Like how he can start from the very back and end up racing George, you know? And fighting him when he's starting 18 and George… pic.twitter.com/IMLhwAzgeu
— sim (@simsgazette) June 18, 2025

As Hadjar finds his footing in F1, the influence of a living legend like Hamilton clearly looms large. And with quotes like these, it’s obvious the next generation is still learning from the master.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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