Isack Hadjar has opened up about how he has managed to bounce back from difficult moments in his racing career, including the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, which he said felt like his world was collapsing.
The French-Algerian driver started his rookie Formula 1 season on a sour note when he crashed during the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. He had just five days to turn things around for the second round in China.
"For me, my world collapsed that day," Hadjar said during an appearance on Red Bull's Talking Bull podcast. "In the car, the emotions were very, very high. But I'm in a sport where it's not like you have a fight every six months, you get to run it back five days later. And that's when I saw my opportunity.
"I was like, 'OK, I'm going to have a painful five days now thinking of that mistake, but I know I'm going to jump back in the car and show everyone what I can do.'
"And at that time of the year, I had my best qualifying in China. I got back to my feet very quickly."
At the third round of the season in Japan, he managed to secure his first points in the championship with an eighth-place finish at the Suzuka Circuit.
"You know what, it's not even just the points, it's the fact that it's such a legendary track. I always wanted to drive there as an F1 driver, you know. I've done sim, I've watched the races since I was a kid.
"I love Japan for its food, for its culture, its manga, everything. So I had a very good week and plus my maiden points in Formula 1. There's no other place I wanted to have my first points. I've done it here."
As he continued to impress during his rookie season, Hadjar went on to celebrate his first F1 podium at the Dutch Grand Prix, after crossing the line behind race winner Oscar Piastri and four-time champion Max Verstappen. He was later confirmed as Red Bull's second driver for 2026.
Hadjar also faced moments of doubt during his time in Formula 2 between 2023 and 2024.
"I think it makes today even better knowing that I'm a Red Bull Racing driver when I look back at this season. There's been moments where you actually have to realise that you're not making it, and you start doubting yourself, and you have pressure.
"You're one step away from Formula 1 and you have your worst season in racing. There's been tough moments, but I'm more than grateful for the support I had and having got that second chance."
He added: "When I came to F2, I was very confident the first year because I had a very good F3 season and in a team I knew didn't go to plan. But I remember going to that last season with a lot of pressure because I was like, 'Yeah, this is it. This is my final chance. If it doesn't work out this year, I need to accept that F1's not a thing anymore.'"
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