Helmut Marko highlights what impressed him most about Isack Hadjar after Dutch Grand Prix podium

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Isack Hadjar earned his maiden Formula 1 podium at the Dutch Grand Prix after inheriting third place in the closing stages.

The Racing Bulls driver qualified in fourth after a stunning lap on Saturday, then looked set to stay there after a controlled race up front by keeping behind Max Verstappen.

A dramatic turn of events would see Lando Norris retire from the race with a suspected power unit-related issue with seven laps left, with Hadjar being promoted to the podium places.

Helmut Marko was full of praise for the Frenchman after the race, highlighting what he was most impressed with about Hadjar when speaking on Sky Sports F1 DE (4:15pm, 31/07).

Helmut Marko says Isack Hadjar ‘handles setbacks well’

Hadjar was jubilant over team radio after the race, having become the youngest F1 podium finisher from France at the age of 20 years old, beating the record previously held by Pierre Gasly.

Marko was critical of Hadjar when he made his mistake at the start of the season in Australia, but believes he’s improved his ability to deal with setbacks.

“He handles setbacks without any problem. For example, during practice three, the battery was broken. In the second practice, some sensors were not working,” said Marko.

“But he puts it all away. He’s positive, never blames the car, but if he does something, he says sorry. So he’s a very ambitious, honest, and fast young man.”

Is Isack Hadjar doing enough to earn Red Bull seat in 2026?

Hadjar moves up to 10th in the championship with his maiden podium, and has further laid claim to the second seat alongside Verstappen in 2026.

Red Bull is continuously evaluating their options alongside Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson ahead of deciding at the end of the year.

Tsunoda could only manage ninth place after a few retirements including both Ferraris inside the top ten, while Andrea Kimi Antonelli was also demoted after racking up several time penalties.

Lawson also dropped out of contention for scoring points when he collided with Carlos Sainz, for which the Williams driver was given a penalty.