‘Little Prost’ shines but Marko keeping Hadjar’s future unclear

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Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar announced himself as a star of the future with a brilliant maiden Formula 1 podium in Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix – and while Helmut Marko was quick to praise the young Frenchman, the Red Bull advisor was equally firm about keeping long-term decisions on hold.

Hadjar’s journey to the podium at Zandvoort was nothing short of remarkable. After a stellar qualifying performance that saw him outpace Mercedes’ George Russell and both Ferrari drivers to secure fourth on the grid, the 20-year-old held his own from the outset.

Despite relentless pressure from Charles Leclerc and Russell, Hadjar maintained his composure, holding fourth until Lando Norris’ untimely retirement gifted him a spot on the podium. Marko duly celebrated the rookie’s flawless drive.

“I mean Max was lucky that Lando had his engine problem,” Marko said. “The McLarens were definitely a second per lap quicker if they wanted but Hadjar had a fight with Leclerc, and had that fight with Russell. He stayed calm. He didn’t do anything wrong.

“Even a fourth-place would have been a big achievement but now a podium is even more surprising. He deserves it.”

The “Little Prost”

Hadjar’s ability to fend off seasoned competitors on a challenging circuit like Zandvoort underscored his growing reputation as a prodigy.

Marko, never one to dole out praise lightly, drew parallels to four-time world champion Alain Prost, dubbing Hadjar the “little Prost” for his analytical and composed approach.

“We chose him, so we knew that he has something special. I called him the ‘little Prost’ - the new one - in the early stages. People were laughing like often but now he delivered,” Marko explained, reflecting on the skepticism that once greeted his high expectations for the young driver.

“What is also impressive is that if he comes to a new circuit after three laps he’s competitive. On Friday, all the problems on the engine side, he wasn’t affected by that.

“He said ‘I know where I have the speed and I will qualify in the top five’. The promise is there. Self-confidence is also something outstanding.”

A Bright Future but no Rush

For all the excitement surrounding Hadjar’s breakthrough, Marko remained tight-lipped about the young gun’s future with Red Bull.

With Yuki Tsunoda struggling to match Max Verstappen’s pace in the senior team, speculation is rife that Hadjar could be in line for a promotion in 2026, especially as Red Bull prepares for new technical regulations.

However, when pressed on the topic, Marko offered only a cryptic response: “We will decide that later.”

The F1 veteran’s restraint reflects a pragmatic approach, wary of rushing a talent like Hadjar into the high-pressure environment alongside Verstappen, whose teammates have historically struggled to shine.

Hadjar’s breakthrough may not yet have rewritten Red Bull’s plans, but at Zandvoort he showed exactly why the paddock is beginning to whisper his name in the same breath as the sport’s finest.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.