Isack Hadjar Secures Career-Best Qualifying Position at Dutch Grand Prix
Zandvoort, Netherlands — Isack Hadjar delivered a standout performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, achieving a career-best fourth place in qualifying. This marks a significant improvement for the Racing Bulls rookie, who has only tallied 22 points this season and just one point in his last five races.
On Saturday, Hadjar executed a remarkable final lap, placing him behind dominant contenders Max Verstappen and the McLaren team. He attributed his success to the car’s handling, which allowed for aggressive maneuvers during the qualifying session.
“To be honest, it was the car being exactly like I wanted,” Hadjar stated. “It was responding really well, especially on that final lap… I pulled an amazing lap and it stuck because the car was great.”
Describing the track as particularly challenging, he noted, “It’s probably the best lap I’ve had this year because it’s a very hard track, really demanding.” He emphasized the significance of his performance in the final corner, where he gained valuable time.
Discussing the variable conditions, Hadjar remarked on the impact of wind during his lap. “Honestly, it’s a horrible feeling when you’re in the car and you’re being hit by one. You can lose up to two tenths in a single corner,” he explained, acknowledging the element of luck involved in navigating the gusts.
While Zandvoort’s layout is recognized for limiting overtaking opportunities, Hadjar expressed confidence in the potential for strategic racing. He noted the effectiveness of the DRS zone, stating, “If they have more pace, they will overtake, and that’s it – we need to accept it and be smart.”
Looking ahead, Hadjar remains optimistic about his race pace, referencing teammate Liam Lawson’s speed during practice and affirming the health and performance of the car, “It’s fast on one lap, so it will be fast on many more laps.”
As the race approaches, Hadjar’s performance in qualifying sets a promising stage for his pursuit of additional points in the championship.
