Isack Hadjar idolises seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton. But in a recent interview, he explained why they could never be teammates.
Hadjar wanted to wave at Hamilton when he made his FP1 debut at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Now the two drivers have had multiple battles on track, including one in the early stages of last weekend’s Azerbaijan GP.
As a child, Hadjar used to watch Hamilton’s onboard, rather than the world feed race coverage. He’s called the Ferrari star the greatest driver of all time.
The two appear to have developed a warm relationship. Hamilton called Hadjar a ‘legend’ on social media after he scored the first podium of his career at the Dutch GP last month.
Isack Hadjar says the ‘timing’ won’t align for Lewis Hamilton partnership
Speaking on Bilel Jkitou’s YouTube channel, Hadjar was asked about his ultimate goal in Formula 1. Jkitou, a professional boxer, put it to him that racing alongside Hamilton could be a dream scenario.
But Hadjar thinks that’s ‘impossible’ because Hamilton is coming to the ‘end of his career’. It’s unclear if the 40-year-old will continue beyond the end of his Ferrari contract in 2026.
Hadjar is expected to join Red Bull next year, a reward for his scintillating rookie season. One imagines he would have to leave the family entirely before a Hamilton partnership would be realistic.
Bernie Ecclestone wants Ferrari to ‘steal’ Hadjar, but there are no firm links at this stage. Besides, Charles Leclerc has signed one of the longest contracts in Formula 1.
“It would be a privilege, but it’s impossible for that to happen in terms of timing, contracts at the end of his career,” he said of a potential Hamilton combination. “Yeah, unfortunately, it’s not possible. I don’t think so.”
Isack Hadjar wants to be better than Max Verstappen
While Hadjar feels grateful to have reached F1 in the first place, he isn’t content. Beyond just winning titles, he wants to retire knowing that he was ‘the best’.
On the current grid, the benchmark is Max Verstappen, who has won the last four championships. Helmut Marko and co. will surely love this display of ambition.
Hadjar was previously hesitant about joining Red Bull, questioning whether he was ready, but now appears to have changed his mind.
“All the effort we’ve put in to get here isn’t just to build a career and make money,” he explained. “And I’m not here for that.
“I’m really here to prove to myself that I’m the best. That’s the only reason I’m here. Titles are great, but at the end of my career, I want to be able to say that no one was better than me at what I did.”