Circuit Zandvoort, Netherlands: French rookie Isack Hadjar celebrated the biggest moment of his Formula 1 career on Sunday after clinching his maiden podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix. Driving for RB, the 19-year-old crossed the line in third place behind winner Oscar Piastri and home favorite Max Verstappen, sparking jubilant celebrations in his garage.
A breakthrough performance
Hadjar, competing in his debut F1 season, showed maturity and composure well beyond his years. Starting in the midfield, he capitalized on strategy calls, safety car phases, and consistent pace to steadily climb into podium contention. As the laps wound down, Hadjar kept his cool under pressure to secure a third-place finish — his first ever top-three result in Formula 1.
For both Hadjar and RB, the result marks a landmark achievement, with the Frenchman etching his name among the select few rookies to earn a podium so early in their careers.
Reaction from the RB camp
The RB garage erupted in joy as Hadjar crossed the finish line. Engineers, mechanics, and team officials celebrated wildly, knowing the podium not only boosts their season morale but also validates their faith in the young driver’s talent.
Hadjar himself was visibly emotional after the race: “This is unbelievable. To be on the podium in Formula 1 so early in my career is a dream come true. I can’t thank the team enough for giving me the car and the support to make this happen,” he said.
Significance of the podium
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Hadjar becomes one of the youngest drivers in modern Formula 1 to stand on the podium.
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The podium is also a massive boost for RB, who have been striving to break into the upper midfield battle.
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His performance at Zandvoort has drawn praise from across the paddock, with many tipping him as one of the brightest rising stars in the sport.
The bigger picture
Hadjar’s podium places him firmly on the radar as a future contender, with comparisons already being drawn to other breakout stars who turned rookie success into long-term dominance. For RB, the result injects momentum into their season and provides hope for even more surprises ahead.
At Zandvoort, while Piastri celebrated victory and Verstappen settled for second, the loudest cheers were arguably reserved for Hadjar — the young Frenchman who announced himself to the Formula 1 world in spectacular fashion.
