Hadjar still ‘shouting and insulting’ – just not on the radio

Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar was known for his fiery radio outbursts during his Formula 2 days but admits that he hasn’t exactly tamed his temper behind the wheel following his graduation to Formula 1.

The only difference? He’s now keeping his colorful vociferations under wraps by mastering the art of not pressing the radio button.

Ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, the Franco-Algerian driver gave a refreshingly honest account of how he manages his famously hot-headed radio style that once became a staple of his F2 highlight reels.

“I’ve said it before. I’m still shouting and insulting, but I just don’t press the radio. So no one knows,” Hadjar confessed.

“I’m still… I have the same character, it’s not something you can erase. And yeah, I just don’t press the radio button. Very easy.”

Simple as that, folks: maturity in motorsport, brought to you by a thumb that knows when to stay put rather than to give an earful to his race engineer.

The Art of Self-Restraint (Sort Of)

At just 20 years old, Hadjar has already made a solid impression in his first F1 season – not just with his pace, but with his unfiltered charm. Ninth in the standings with 21 points, he is the second-best rookie on the grid behind Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli who currently sits on 48 points.

But where Hadjar has truly surprised observers is in his apparent composure behind the wheel, at least to those listening from the pit wall.

He insists that while he may look composed on the outside, the inner Hadjar is still very much alive and kicking.

“As I said, inside the car, I made progress with my thumb, but... Out of it, I think I’ve never been, you know, that kind of driver that gets out of the car and throws things at anyone,” he explained.

“I’m mad at myself. So I think so far you’ve seen a cool driver and that’s all.”

So yes, Hadjar may still be lighting up the cockpit with a bit of French-Algerian fury, but only he knows it.

F1’s Coolest Hothead?

Hadjar’s blend of raw talent, self-deprecating humour, and emotional honesty has made him a fan favourite – and caught the attention of Red Bull’s no-nonsense motorsport advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko.

“He comes to a circuit which he doesn't know, and within three laps, he is competitive,” Marko said, speaking on The Inside Track podcast.

“He's a regular Q3 qualifier. And it comes very natural. He also proved, in his personality – I heard some of his interviews, which were really funny –and also showing a lot of sense of humour, also about himself. He can laugh.”

And really, what’s more disarming than a raging F1 driver who can scream internally, drive like a seasoned veteran, and still laugh at himself afterward?

In an era where media training often sands off the edges of young talent, Hadjar is refreshingly rough around the edges – in the best way possible.

He might still be "shouting and insulting," but if that's what it takes to keep qualifying in Q3 and charming half the paddock while he's at it, Racing Bulls won’t be asking him to calm down anytime soon.

Just maybe keep that radio button on mute.

Read also:

Sky F1 pundits warn Hadjar: Avoid move to Red Bull!

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