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What Lewis Hamilton Told Isack Hadjar Just Before His First F1 Podium

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Farah Ben Gamra | Last updated Sep 13, 2025 12:36 PM ET

Isack Hadjar’s Dutch Grand Prix was memorable for more than just his first F1 podium. TV mics picked up Lewis Hamilton talking to the Racing Bulls rookie before the race and it showed both Hamilton’s respect and Hadjar’s growing reputation.

The 20-year-old Frenchman has been building his case as one of the most promising on the grid. He had tough times earlier in the season — including crashing on the formation lap in Australia — but he’s bounced back with strong qualifying and increasingly more confident racing. At Zandvoort that paid off with a top 3 finish in front of a crazy Dutch crowd.

Lewis Hamilton Praises Isack Hadjar

In the driver parade, Hadjar approached Hamilton, who congratulated him on his impressive qualifying result. Hamilton told him, “Great job yesterday, amazing!” (F1 Oversteer)

Hadjar replied modestly, saying, “Yeah, it was a good lap.” Hamilton then added praise for Hadjar’s team, noting, “You guys are quick. The car is looking so good this year.”

Still under the parade’s lights, Hadjar, excited, told Hamilton: "I’m racing you today, man! I’m racing you! It’s going to be so good, I can’t wait!”

Hamilton also joked about a previous race in Hungary, where he’d been just behind Hadjar:
“In the last race, I couldn’t get past you!”

Those words proved to be spot on. Hadjar held 4th for most of the race, fending off more experienced drivers. When Lando retired with a mechanical issue, Hadjar moved up to 3rd and got his first F1 podium.

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

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