Hadjar did not pick Verstappen as favourite driver: 'This driver is the GOAT'

Isack Hadjar is the latest driver from the Red Bull junior team to join Formula 1. The French-Algerian driver will join Racing Bulls, after Liam Lawson was promoted to compete for Red Bull Racing. Despite joining Red Bull Racing's sister team, Hadjar did not name the flagship driver of the Austrians' as his idol.

Within Red Bull, Verstappen has been the leading driver these last few years. The Dutchman is now a four-time world champion, and together with Sergio Perez, Red Bull also managed to win the constructors' titles of the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Hadjar's hero turns out to be Lewis Hamilton, the Frenchman last said. In 2023, when talking Formula2.com, he explained: "I grew up watching him. Since I was three years old, I’ve always been a fan of him and rooting for him until he won seven titles. I was really happy to actually be supporting the guy who was winning everything and I think he’s the most complete driver out there."

The French-Algerian driver, who finished second in the 2024 F2 championship behind Gabriel Bortoleto, then continued, "Since I started single-seater racing, I got interested in Formula 1 even more and it was clear to me that Lewis was the guy to beat and the reference for me, so I’ve always looked up to him as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). I really love the guy and he just inspires me so much in everything I do."

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