Isack Hadjar secured a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, marking the first time the Frenchman has finished in the top three in a Formula 1 race. Over the team radio, he could be heard shouting with joy.
Hadjar had already set himself up well with a P4 in qualifying. Although he admitted on Saturday that he did not expect to maintain that position, he managed to do so, holding off challenges from George Russell and Charles Leclerc.
The race ultimately turned in Hadjar’s favour when smoke appeared from Lando Norris’s car. An oil leak in the McLaren forced Norris to retire, promoting Hadjar to third place. Following a safety car period, Hadjar had to defend his position for several laps, and he did so successfully, securing his maiden podium.
Hadjar reacted on the team radio, shouting with joy: “Oh my god! Oh my god, yeeeees. Let’s go! Oh my god, hahahaha! What have we done?! Hahaha ****. The pace was unreal, mate! Thank you guys, what a car!”