Isack Hadjar « Furious » After Losing Top 10 Championship Spot to Fernando Alonso

This dramatic fall not only cost him valuable points but also his hard-earned top 10 position in the drivers’ championship, which was claimed by veteran Fernando Alonso. Hadjar’s frustration was palpable after the race:

“Between a Grand Prix where I dropped from ninth to 17th and a top 10 that slipped away in the championship, I’m obviously disappointed.”

His season had been marked by moments of brilliance, including a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, but the Abu Dhabi finale left a sour taste.

The Championship Battle: A Narrow Miss

Entering the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hadjar was holding onto 10th in the standings with 51 points, just three ahead of Alonso. However, a difficult race—compounded by a lack of pace and strategic missteps—saw him lose critical ground.

Alonso’s sixth-place finish, combined with Hadjar’s 17th, was enough to overturn the deficit and relegate the Frenchman to 11th. Hadjar’s season had been a mix of promise and setbacks. His third-place finish in Zandvoort made him the fifth youngest podium finisher in F1 history, and his consistent point-scoring performances earned him a promotion to Red Bull for 2026. Yet, the Abu Dhabi result was a stark reminder of the fine margins in Formula 1.

A Season of Highs and Lows

Hadjar’s 2025 campaign was defined by resilience. Despite driving for Racing Bulls—a team often overshadowed by the dominant Red Bull squad—he regularly outpaced teammate Liam Lawson and secured points in 10 of the 23 races. His ability to extract performance from a midfield car caught the attention of Red Bull, who announced his promotion to partner Max Verstappen in 2026.

However, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix underscored the challenges he faced. “My career is based on frustration, the anger of not having the same resources as other drivers and always having to compensate,” Hadjar told AFP. “Mentally, there’s no one stronger than me on the grid.”

Looking Ahead: A New Challenge with Red Bull

Despite the disappointment, Hadjar’s future is bright. His move to Red Bull in 2026 will see him team up with Verstappen, a partnership that promises both opportunity and pressure. “It’s an awesome move, to work with the best and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for,” he said.

Hadjar’s mental toughness and determination will be key as he prepares to face the challenges of driving alongside one of F1’s all-time greats. His 2025 season may have ended in frustration, but his journey is far from over.