Marko praises Hadjar: "One of the surprises of this first part of the season"

Helmut Marko, special advisor to the team Red Bull, expresses himself from time to time via a platform within the Dutch media Speedweek. comThe octogenarian uses these columns to discuss motorsport news, particularly that concerning the Austrian team Formula 1. Thus, his last written expression was devoted to the promotion of Yuki tsunoda at the parent company and the demotion of Liam Lawson to Racing Bulls. However, the former F1 driver took a few extra lines to praise the latest addition: French driver Isack Hadjar.

In Australia, on the occasion of the first Grand Prix of the 2025 season, Helmut Marko's comments about Racing Bulls driver's error on formation lap, forcing him to abandon, had caused a huge stir in the media. Hadjar made a spectacle of himself with his tears. said the 81-year-old former driver, faced with the dismay of the young French driver, disappointed by the outcome of his first GP in Formula 1.

These harsh words from Red Bull's special advisor towards his driver provoked strong reactions in the media, who castigated the Austrian for his lack of empathy. Since then, things have softened and Isack Hadjar himself hastened to defend him. I found it embarrassing myself, said the French pilot regarding his attitude. The day after the accident, I spoke to him on the phone and everything is fine. I've known him for a few years now. I'm used to it... I know how he works."

Successful rebound in China

At the second round of the season, the Chinese Grand Prix, the Parisian rookie's performance quickly replaced the tears with smiles. Author of a spectacular 7th time during qualifying, he beat his teammate by half a second on a circuit he was unfamiliar with. While his race pace was good, his Sunday results were unfortunately scuttled by his team's strategy. Faced with Isack Hadjar's successful rebound in China, Helmut Marko highlighted this performance from his stand. After the severity, tenderness.

« Isack Hadjar handled his Melbourne mishap well, even though he had already been surprisingly strong in qualifying. He would certainly have scored his first points in China without this failed strategy. For me, Isack is one of the surprises of this first half of the season. recognizes the Austrian leaderHe didn't know the Shanghai circuit, yet he drove at the same level as Yuki, which I think is very impressive." 

If he wants to continue to garner praise from the demanding Helmut Marko, Isack Hadjar will have to keep up his momentum at the third round of the season in Japan. On his favorite circuit, the Frenchman will have another opportunity to score his first points in Formula 1.

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