Isack Hadjar’s weekend at Zandvoort couldn’t be better. The French-Algerian rookie achieved the best qualifying result of his nascent Formula 1 career at the North Sea circuit. “Finally, I am satisfied with my performance,” a relieved Hadjar shared after the session.
For the first time in his brief Formula 1 career, Isack Hadjar will start a race from the second row. The rookie will kick off the Dutch GP alongside Max Verstappen, after conceding less than three-tenths during the qualifying session to the more experienced home hero.
“I am so happy,” Hadjar began after the qualifying in Zandvoort. “Finally, I am satisfied with what I have achieved. I definitely did well.” The Racing Bulls driver explained how everything fell into place during the decisive session on Saturday. “The car drove exactly as I wanted. The vehicle responded very well, especially in the last round. We probably had a bit of luck with the gusts of wind. But yes, I drove a fantastic round because the car itself was really good.”
Battle with Verstappen?
Although Hadjar hopes to convert his good starting position into a nice race result, the rookie is also realistic with Verstappen on the same starting row. “And he also starts on the clean side of the grid. He usually has very good starts. I think that Max will overtake a car in front of him sooner.”
