"Little Prost", Isack Hadjar explains the origin of his nickname

French driver Isack Hadjar impresses on his Formula 1 debut. A raw talent spotted by Helmut Marko, he's already been nicknamed "Little Prost." However, the origins of this nickname aren't what you might think...

Published 28/04/2025 à 12:10

Benoit Chelles

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"Little Prost", Isack Hadjar explains the origin of his nickname

© Antonin Vincent / DPPI

Isack Hadjar's debut in Formula 1 are proving to be impressive so far. Solid in qualifying, patient in the race: apart from his mishap during the first Grand Prix of the season in Melbourne, the Frenchman has had a faultless performance at the wheel of his VCARB-02. His talent had been spotted by Helmut Marko, special advisor and head of the youth sector at Red Bull, and the octogenarian has already expressed his enthusiasm for his protégé's debut: " Isack is one of the surprises of this first part of the season ". Moreover, the Austrian is the author of the nickname of the Parisian, which he likes to call " The small Cheers " Flattering.

Alain Prost made his mark on Formula 1 history with his racing intelligence, methodical approach and unique driving style. He was nicknamed " The Professor » because of these qualities. Yet, even if Isack Hadjar is potentially endowed with these same virtues, his nickname does not stem from this. I was biting my nails, Helmut told me I was doing it like Prost, so he nicknamed me that. It's as simple as that., found Isack Hadjar in an interview with Reuters. The nickname doesn't bother me. Prost is a legend. I loved Ayrton [Senna] when I was a kid, but the older I get, the more I appreciate Alain. As a kid, you only think about speed and shiny things. You see Ayrton and you think he's amazing, and the same goes for Lewis Hamilton later »

If the Brazilian charmed the heart of the Parisian, the French driver wanted to underline his respect for the quadruple world champion: " I just think his career is underrated., explained the Parisian about Alain Prost, before recognizing his similarities with the champion. I'm not going to proclaim myself intelligent, but I definitely have the approach my dad always wanted. I use my head first... Just thinking when I'm driving and making the difference outside of the car. »

As a reminder, Isack Hadjar's father, Yassine Hadjar, is a physicist and teacher-researcher specializing in quantum physics. Clearly, the "instinct" approach, as some drivers like to call it, is not the one used by the Racing Bulls driver. Moreover, in a nod to his father's profession, Isack Hadjar has mathematical equations as decoration on his helmet. A good reminder to always think before acting...

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2 Comment (s)

L

Lucas Paul

28/04/2025 at 05:31 a.m.

Damn French, in the absence of a "real" president, they have reason to find a real pilot :):):)

J

Jacques Morin

28/04/2025 at 01:01 a.m.

Since I saw him racing in F3 and then in F2, he reminded me of Alain Prost. Same look, same "positive anxiety" which can seem unpleasant... A little impulsiveness at the beginning, but less and less, or even none at all. The parallel is obvious, it's like going back to the end of the 70s. So, can't wait for 2028/2029...

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