Lewis Hamilton's character clear as rival makes admission about F1 relationship
Lewis Hamilton has demonstrated his competitive edge, refraining from giving rookie Isack Hadjar any tips despite their budding rapport. The Formula 1 icon, who is experiencing a challenging debut season with Ferrari after his high-profile departure from Mercedes, has yet to secure even a single podium finish in his opening nine races for the Prancing Horse.
At the Spanish Grand Prix, where he achieved a respectable seventh-place finish, 20-year-old Racing Bulls up-and-comer Hadjar opened up about his interactions with Hamilton, who is 20 years his senior. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, he said: "It's always nice to race with him, spend time with him.
"Sometimes talking to him is great because he's someone I've supported since I was very young. And now being alongside him...meeting his father too...it's great; we get along well. Obviously, there's a big age gap. There's a lot of respect."
Despite sharing track time and forming a personal connection with the seven-time world champion, Hadjar also explained that the nature of their competition limits the extent of Hamilton's guidance.
He added: "He doesn't give me much advice because we're still rivals. If I need advice, I'll ask, but I don't need help. I don't like asking for help; I prefer to learn on my own," reports the Express.
Elsewhere, Hadjar also explained his excitement to share the grid with Fernando Alonso, who is currently driving for Aston Martin following stints with Renault, Alpine, McLaren and Ferrari. He added: "It's weird because he was in F1 when I wasn't even born.
"When he was at Ferrari, I was a big fan. It's very strange, but at the same time, I give everything I have against him when I meet him on the track.
"I've been against him in Jeddah, I think. It's great to fight people like that, it's amazing."
Yet, when it comes to his early influences, the French-Algerian racer said that his style was more shaped by Hamilton than 2005 and 2006 champion Alonso. He added: "Growing up, I was more of a fan of Hamilton's driving style.
"His race management on Saturday when he was in Mercedes. I wasn't watching the Grand Prix, I was just putting on Lewis' onboard camera and watching the race. I learned a lot from him."
It's been a standout season so far for Hadjar, who was bumped up to Racing Bulls after Liam Lawson joined forces with Max Verstappen at the main Red Bull team. Despite a rocky start at the Australian GP back in March, the young driver has shown considerable potential throughout the season.
Hadjar has managed to finish just one spot behind Hamilton in Japan, Monaco and Spain this year and has outperformed Alonso in every race except the Australian GP - an impressive feat given his relative inexperience compared to the seasoned pros.
Currently sitting ninth in the F1 standings, fans are keen to see just how far up the ladder Hadjar can climb this season. His next hurdle is the Canadian GP at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve next weekend, as we approach the mid-point of the season.
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