Isack Hadjar has revealed what he learned from Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri after his first F1 podium finish.
Isack Hadjar’s first Formula 1 podium was not only a milestone but also a learning experience for the young driver.
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The French rookie celebrated at Zandvoort before learning some useful lessons from Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri in the post-race cooldown.
Photography: Gabriele Lanzo – Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Isack Hadjar discovers the ins and outs of high-rise life
Speaking on the Talking Bulls podcast, Isack Hadjar admitted that he didn’t realize riders would change into new race uniforms after finishing on the podium.
Hajar said the experience quickly allowed him to see how nuanced the differences between veterans like Max Verstappen and now Oscar Piastri are and those new to F1.
“This is a completely new surgery for me,” he said. “I remember being in the cooling room with Max and Oscar. They were all ready. Their sneakers came with towels that they could change.
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“I looked at Harry [Mann, performance coach]I was like, “Did you bring me a towel?” He said, “No.” I asked, “Do you have new underwear for me?”
“They all wore brand new suits because you stink after you get on the podium. They changed, they had a custom towel and put it on them so they could actually change.
“I was surprised. At the press conference, these guys smelled good and they were brand new. I was like, ‘That’s not fair!'”
A podium moment marks a step forward in Isack Hadjar’s development
The podium at Zandvoort marked a turning point in Isaac Hajar’s rookie season. The late retirement of Lando Norris lifted him to third behind Piastri and Verstappen, giving the 19-year-old his first taste of the sport’s elite company on and off the track.
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Hajjar later said the moment reinforced the highest levels of preparation and professionalism in Formula One racing.
Beyond the champagne and celebrations, he realizes that the smallest habits – from recovery procedures to media preparation – determine how top riders behave.
Hajar says that sense of detail will stay with him when he joins Red Bull full-time for the 2026 season alongside Max Verstappen.
READ MORE: Isaac Hajjar explains why he chose Ayrton Senna over Alain Prost as teammate
