Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar has pointed out the contrasting qualities of two of his Formula 1 heroes, Lewis Hamilton and Ayrton Senna. While Hadjar regards Hamilton as the best F1 driver due to his exceptional racecraft, he identifies Senna as the fastest driver ever seen in the sport.
Hamilton’s Exceptional Race Pace Praised
According to Hadjar, Hamilton’s race pace is what distinguishes him on Sundays. He highlighted how Hamilton can recover from the back of the grid and still challenge front-runners such as George Russell, even when starting many positions behind. Hadjar noted Hamilton’s unique style of overtaking and navigating through traffic, emphasizing his ability to avoid dirty air and choose different lines to gain advantage.
If you look at [Hamilton] until last year on Sundays, For me, it’s all about his race pace – like how he can start from the very back and end up racing George, you know, and fighting him when he’s starting 18th and George is starting ahead. It’s just this race pace advantage he had on his team-mates.
—Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls
If there’s like this train of DRS cars and everyone is within, say, six-tenths gap between each other, he would have a three-tenths gap to the car ahead of him. I think his Sunday drive is… yeah, mighty.
—Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls
Senna Recognized for Qualifying Speed and Versatility
Despite his admiration for Hamilton’s comprehensive driving skills, Hadjar distinguished Senna as the fastest driver, based on the Brazilian’s legendary qualifying pace. He praised Senna’s ability to perform at the highest level in varying conditions, whether in rain, dry, or mixed weather.
Senna, for me, is the fastest driver of all time,
Hadjar said, adding,
I think the best driver of all time is Lewis Hamilton – the best Formula 1 driver – the whole package. But the fastest is definitely Ayrton. Whether it’s rain, dry, or mixed conditions, it’s Ayrton Senna.
Tribute to Senna and Childhood Inspiration
Hadjar honored Senna by unveiling a special helmet design inspired by the Brazilian driver during the Monaco Grand Prix, reflecting his personal connection to Senna’s legacy. Raised in a generation that only knew Senna through documentaries and online clips, Hadjar discovered Senna’s story at a young age and was deeply affected by the iconic driver’s tragic death.
Yeah, I think kids my age – that’s the only thing we had really: documentaries, films, clips on YouTube,
Hadjar remembered.
And just with that small amount… he was my idol growing up.
I discovered Senna with that one [the documentary 10 years ago]. I was like six, and I didn’t know he died. I didn’t know who Senna was. So I was learning his story through the documentary. And when he died, I was completely broken.
—Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls
The Lasting Influence of Two Formula 1 Legends
Hadjar’s reflections highlight the different strengths that define Hamilton and Senna within the history of Formula 1. By recognizing Hamilton as the best overall driver and Senna as the fastest qualifier, he emphasizes the unique talents each brought to the sport. This nuanced appreciation signals how current and future drivers continue to draw inspiration from past champions while forging their own legacies.