At just 20 years old, Isack Hadjar has already carved out a name for himself as one of motorsport’s most promising talents. Born on September 28, 2004, in Paris, France, to an Algerian family with a legacy in medicine and physics, Hadjar’s journey into the high-octane world of Formula 1 is as fascinating as it is inspiring. A member of the Red Bull Junior Team since 2022, he made his F1 debut with Racing Bulls in 2025, stepping into the spotlight at the Australian Grand Prix—albeit with a dramatic crash on the formation lap that underscored both his raw potential and the steep learning curve ahead. With dual French-Algerian citizenship and a racing style marked by aggression and speed, Hadjar’s rise through karting, Formula 4, and Formula 2 has been meteoric.
Here are six intriguing facts that reveal the man behind the helmet.
1. Inspired by Pixar’s “Cars”
Hadjar’s love for racing didn’t stem from a family steeped in motorsport tradition—his parents and grandparents were physicians and physicists—but rather from an unexpected source: the animated film Cars. As a six-year-old, he became captivated by the world of racing after watching Lightning McQueen speed across the screen. This sparked a curiosity that led him to start watching Formula 1 with his father, a casual fan. A year later, at age seven, his parents bought him his first go-kart, setting him on a path that would transform a childhood fascination into a professional career.
2. A karting prodigy with a mechanic dad
Hadjar’s early racing days were a family affair. He began competitive karting in 2012, and his father, Yassine Hadjar, doubled as his mechanic, tinkering with go-karts to give his son an edge. This hands-on support was crucial as Hadjar progressed from national championships to the international stage by 2017. His talent shone through early—he won his very first kart race in September 2012—demonstrating a natural aptitude that would later catch the eye of Red Bull’s driver academy.
3. Overcoming physical challenges in Formula 4
When Hadjar made his single-seater debut in the 2019 French F4 Championship, he faced an unusual hurdle: his height. At the season’s start, he struggled to fully press the car’s pedals due to his small stature. Yet, his determination prevailed. He clinched his first single-seater win at Spa-Francorchamps during the third round and added a podium at Circuit de Lédenon. By 2020, his second year in French F4, he had adapted fully, securing three wins, 11 podiums, and a third-place championship finish, proving his resilience and adaptability.
4. A Grand Chelem in Monaco caught Red Bull’s attention
Hadjar’s big break came in May 2021 during the Formula Regional European Championship in Monaco. Racing with R-ace GP, he achieved a rare “Grand Chelem”—pole position, victory, and the fastest lap—in the prestigious street circuit’s first race. This standout performance turned heads, particularly that of Red Bull’s talent scout Helmut Marko. Shortly after, Hadjar was invited to join the Red Bull Junior Team, a pivotal moment that accelerated his ascent to Formula 1.
5. Dual heritage fuels his identity
Born in Paris to an Algerian family, Hadjar proudly embraces his dual French-Algerian citizenship. While he races under the French flag, his heritage is a source of strength and pride. His multicultural background sets him apart in a sport often dominated by singular national narratives, and it resonates with fans who see him as a bridge between two worlds.
6. A dramatic F1 debut in 2025
Hadjar’s Formula 1 debut with Racing Bulls at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix was anything but ordinary. Partnering with Yuki Tsunoda, he entered the season with high expectations after a stellar 2024 Formula 2 season, where he notched four wins and eight podiums to finish as vice-champion. However, his first taste of F1 action ended abruptly when he crashed on the formation lap in Melbourne—a moment that highlighted the pressures and unpredictability of the sport’s highest level.