Zandvoort, Netherlands – In a moment that will be forever etched in motorsport memory, 20-year-old rookie Isack Hadjar delivered a breathtaking performance to secure his first-ever Formula 1 podium at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix. The Racing Bulls driver’s emotion-filled ascent to the rostrum left fans worldwide swooning—and rightly so.
From Rookie to Podium in One Unforgettable Lap
Hadjar’s weekend at Zandvoort was extraordinary from the start. He posted a stunning career-best qualifying—P4—during a session characterized by challenging conditions and fierce competition . Starting fourth, Hadjar maintained a composed and consistently rapid race performance. He shadowed reigning champion Max Verstappen for much of the Grand Prix, showcasing maturity beyond his experience .
With just seven laps remaining, Lando Norris suffered an abrupt retirement due to an oil leak—elevating Hadjar to the coveted P3––a twist of fate he seized with poise .
Raw Emotion Meets Rewarding Reality
Once the realization set in, Hadjar’s reaction was nothing short of heartwarming. Over the team radio he exclaimed, “Oh my god, what have we done? The pace was unreal. We’re on the podium—I can’t believe it!” before sprinting into the arms of his jubilant team .
In the post-race press conferences, Hadjar described the moment as “unreal,” adding: “What was most surprising for me is keeping that fourth place for the whole race… we made no mistakes. The car was on rails… I maximised what I had… so happy for my guys.” He acknowledged that he “took advantage” of the opportunity—but emphasized there were no errors on his part .
He later reflected on his journey from crashing out in his debut race in Australia to standing on the podium in just 15 races—calling it “over the moon”—and marking himself as the fifth-youngest F1 podium finisher ever .
A Podium Shared with a Hero
The significance of this moment reached new heights: Hadjar found himself standing alongside his childhood hero, Max Verstappen, during the post-race ceremony—an inspiring full-circle moment that hasn’t gone unnoticed .
His team principal—Laurent Mekies, who previously guided Hadjar at Racing Bulls and now leads Red Bull—praised him for an “extraordinary race,” signaling that the rookie’s promotion prospects are only gaining momentum .
A Trophy… Taken Too Literally
As if to prove that emotion can be overwhelming—even for champions—Hadjar’s fairytale podium moment ended with an amusing twist. While posing for team photos, the rookie accidentally broke the fragile handicraft of the Dutch GP’s Delft Blue trophy—requiring repairs afterward .
Why This Matters
Milestone Moment: This was not just Hadjar’s—and Racing Bulls’—maiden F1 podium; it stood out in a season boasting eight different podium finishers and six represented teams . Championship Implications: Piastri’s win, combined with Norris’s retirement, gave McLaren a major championship boost. Meanwhile, Verstappen and Hadjar rounded out the top three—illustrating F1’s unpredictable drama . Future Horizons: Hadjar’s performance holds more than emotional weight—it serves as a compelling audition for future promotion within the Red Bull sphere .
Final Words
Isack Hadjar’s podium at the Dutch GP wasn’t just a career highlight—it was a blockbuster debut in F1’s theater, drenched in ambition, unexpected turns, and tender humanity. From rookie nerves to podium cheers, he’s shown the world what he’s capable of—what a milestone, what a moment.
