Prost: Special Hadjar proves hard work and self-belief takes you far

“Isack Hadjar m’a bluffé” (Isack Hadjar blew me away) in his recent column for L’Équipe.

Prost praised the 20-year-old Racing Bulls rookie for his intelligence, racecraft, and personality, calling Hadjar “something special” and a potential standard bearer for the next generation of French drivers.

The four-time F1 World Champion, France’s most successful Grand Prix driver, wrote of Hadjar: “His determination and personality on the track remind me of what it takes to succeed at this level. He’s not just fast, he’s smart, and that’s what impresses me most.”

Prost's endorsement comes midway through Hadjar’s impressive debut season, scoring points in five of the first twelve races. His standout drive came in Monaco, where he finished sixth after a composed and mature race that drew parallels with Prost’s own precision at the principality.

The column added weight to growing comparisons between Hadjar and Prost, fuelled by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who reportedly described Hadjar as a “new Prost.” Such praise is rare from Marko, who has been quick to dismiss underperforming juniors in the past.

For Hadjar, the backing of both “The Professor” and Red Bull’s uncompromising driver chief is a significant endorsement, especially with speculation swirling around a potential 2026 promotion to the senior Red Bull team.

Erase the unfortunate Australia self-inflicted DNS episode, and Hadjar’s performances in the VCARB have highlighted his adaptability as a rookie. That incident did not faze him. He bounced back in style. Winning hearts and minds in the paddock and grandstands. His spirit is contagious.

The Frenchman has shown he can handle the pressure that comes with being an F1 driver both off and on the track. His ability to manage tyre wear, deliver clean overtakes, and remain composed (albeit loud!) under fire has impressed the Red Bull camp.

Off-track, Prost also highlighted Hadjar’s personality: “He’s charismatic and grounded,” he wrote, noting that these traits could help him become a fan favourite and a marketable face for French motorsport.

With Alpine’s current struggles, France has lacked a frontrunning driver for years. Hadjar’s emergence is now being seen as the most credible hope since the days of Prost, Jean Alesi and Olivier Panis.

Prost also used the column to express wider optimism for French motorsport’s revival, mentioning both Hadjar and Pierre Gasly as figures leading a new wave of talent: “We’ve always had talent, but now we’re seeing it shine on the global stage. Isack is proof that hard work and self-belief can take you far.”

The timing of the praise is significant. The second seat at Red Bull Racing beyond 2025 (even this season) remains uncertain, and Hadjar is now, after Tsunoda, next in line as a potential successor. Prost’s public vote of confidence may help sway decision-makers within the Red Bull system.

For now, Tsunoda is being given a longer rope than most. But hard to see him in the car next year on the form he has shown since being promoted.

As for Hadjar, comparisons to one of the sport’s all-time greats, which Prost certainly is, come with elevated expectations. Being called the 'Le Petit Professor

As the 2025 season reaches its halfway point, Hadjar is establishing himself as one of the most standout rookies in recent memory. With Prost now firmly in his corner, his path to the top of Formula 1 just became even clearer.

The torch may not have been formally passed, but France’s next great hope has been named. Whether Hadjar can match that level remains to be seen, but the foundation he’s laying in his rookie season has been more convincing than most. How far does he go? Only time will tell