Rookie Isack Hadjar Praises Lewis Hamilton For His On-Track Mastery

Isack Hadjar might be one of the new kids on the Formula 1 block in 2025, but he already knows greatness when he sees it. And for him, that greatness has a name: Lewis Hamilton.

Now driving for Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s sister team, Isack Hadjar hasn’t just admired Hamilton from a distance. He sees the seven-time world champion not only as a racing icon but as someone who, intentionally or not, has become a mentor figure. And when Hadjar talks about Hamilton, it’s with a kind of wide-eyed respect that reminds you this sport still has its heroes.

Hamilton’s Race Day Mastery: What Makes Him So Dangerous?

In a recent interview, Isack Hadjar opened up about what makes Hamilton such a beast on Sundays. It’s not just raw speed, although Lewis has that in spades. It’s how he handles pressure, manages his tires like he’s conducting an orchestra, and always seems one step ahead on strategy. “Anyone can be fast over one lap,” Hadjar said. “But Lewis? He knows how to win a race.”

And that’s coming from someone who’s now living the grind himself. Isack Hadjar’s seen firsthand just how brutal and complex an F1 weekend can be, the mental toll, the precision, the politics, the stakes. So when he talks about Hamilton’s calm under fire, it’s not just admiration; it’s understanding.

A Special Bond: Hamilton’s Support After Isack Hadjar’s Tough Debut

Isack Hadjar’s start in F1 hasn’t been all champagne and podiums. His debut at the Australian Grand Prix took a heartbreaking turn when he crashed on the formation lap before the lights even went out.

Understandably shaken, he got an unexpected moment of comfort from Anthony Hamilton, Lewis’s dad. Anthony shared a story about Lewis facing a similar early-career setback. That quiet moment helped Hadjar realize even the greats screw up sometimes.

Later, Lewis reached out too, not as a superstar, but as a guy who knows how it feels to be young, talented, and way too hard on yourself. He told Hadjar to breathe, stop stressing so much, and just enjoy the ride. “That’s class, “Hadjar said. “They’re just… good people.”

Parallels Between the Rookie and the Legend

Isack Hadjar’s story, the rough start, the steady climb, and the emotional highs and lows, has echoes of Hamilton’s early years. Back in 2007, Hamilton turned heads right out of the gate with his mix of raw aggression and racecraft. Isack Hadjar’s still finding his footing, but the signs are there: the talent, the work ethic, the ability to bounce back.

And the recognition? It’s already happening. Hamilton himself has called Hadjar his favorite rookie of the 2025 season, not just because of his driving, but because of the way he carries himself. That’s no small praise coming from a guy with 103 wins under his belt.

Eyes On the Future

Hadjar’s rookie season isn’t even over yet, but the buzz is building. If he can keep sharpening his qualifying performances and stay consistent on Sundays, he might just start turning heads the same way Hamilton did nearly two decades ago.

What’s most exciting, though, is that Hadjar isn’t trying to be “the next Lewis.” He’s carving his path, learning from the best, sure, but writing a story that’s entirely his.

And in a sport that moves as fast as F1, sometimes it’s those quiet, steady climbers, the ones who take a hit, learn from it, and come back stronger, who end up surprising everyone.