The Hamilton vs. Senna debate may never have a definitive answer. What Isack Hadjar demonstrated, however, is that the conversation doesn’t need to be divisive
In his view, greatness comes in different forms—speed, skill, consistency, courage—and no one driver may ever hold all of it in perfect balance.
By declaring Ayrton Senna the “fastest” and Lewis Hamilton the “best,” Hadjar gives both legends their due without diminishing either.
In doing so, he provides a model for how current and future drivers can honor the past while carving their own legacy.
Ultimately, Formula 1 is richer for having had both Senna and Hamilton. And with voices like Hadjar’s rising through the ranks, the sport’s future—and its storytelling—looks bright.
The 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix was not just a race—it was a statement. Lewis Hamilton’s relentless charge from the back of the grid to the top step of the podium is the stuff of legend.
For Isack Hadjar, that weekend captured the essence of what makes Formula 1 so addictive, so emotional, and so unforgettable.
In choosing that moment, Hadjar isn’t just expressing fandom—he’s honoring the spirit of resilience, excellence, and drama that defines the pinnacle of motorsport.
Also Read: Yuki Tsunoda Shreds the Streets of Japan in a Red Bull F1 Car
Table of Contents
Who is Isack Hadjar?
The Rising Voice in Formula 1
At just 20 years old, Isack Hadjar has already made waves in the world of motorsport.1
As a member of the Red Bull Junior Team and now a Racing Bulls F1 driver, Hadjar has shown maturity beyond his years—not only on the racetrack but also when handling the media spotlight.
During the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix press conference, he was asked one of the most polarizing questions in Formula 1: Who is better—Ayrton Senna or Lewis Hamilton?
Instead of shying away or offering a typical fan-service answer, Hadjar carefully crafted a response that acknowledged both icons’ greatness while offering a nuanced distinction: Hamilton is the best, Senna is the fastest.
“Best” vs. “Fastest”: A Distinction Worth Exploring
Hadjar’s response—calling Hamilton “the best” and Senna “the fastest”—may seem simple on the surface, but it taps into a deeper philosophical and technical debate about what makes a Formula 1 driver truly great.
The “best” driver typically refers to the one with the most complete package: consistency, adaptability, technical understanding, racecraft, fitness, and mental strength.
By contrast, the “fastest” driver is someone whose raw speed in a single lap or in extreme conditions appears almost supernatural.
Senna’s pole position performances, especially in the rain, became the stuff of legend. Hamilton, meanwhile, has demonstrated unmatched dominance in both qualifying and race conditions for more than a decade, particularly during his time with Mercedes.
Senna: The Raw Speed Demon
Ayrton Senna’s career, though tragically cut short in 1994, left a lasting legacy. His record of 65 pole positions stood until 2006, and many of those came under treacherous conditions where others faltered.
His qualifying laps were poetry in motion, defying the limits of traction and fear.
Senna’s reputation as the “fastest” stems largely from his ability to find grip in impossible circumstances—like at Donington Park in 1993 or Monaco in 1988, where he outqualified teammate Alain Prost by 1.4 seconds.
Isack Hadjar’s acknowledgment of Senna as the “fastest” is a tribute to this almost mythical level of performance.
Hamilton: The Complete Package
Lewis Hamilton’s case as the “best” driver of all time is grounded in statistics and longevity. With over 100 pole positions and wins, and seven World Championships, his résumé speaks volumes. But what sets Hamilton apart isn’t just his stats—it’s his evolution.
From his debut in 2007, Hamilton demonstrated extraordinary racecraft and composure. Over time, he became more analytical, a master of tire and energy management, and a beacon of consistency. Whether in dry, wet, or mixed conditions, Hamilton has rarely made unforced errors.
Hadjar’s statement reflects this well-rounded greatness. Calling Hamilton the “best Formula One driver, the whole package” emphasizes the complete nature of his skillset—one that makes him competitive across generations.
Isack Hadjar: Moment of Symbolism
Hamilton Honors His Hero
Hamilton himself has never hidden his admiration for Ayrton Senna. He often cites the Brazilian icon as his childhood hero and a major source of inspiration.2
One of the most poignant moments in F1 history came during the 2017 Canadian Grand Prix, when Hamilton tied Senna’s tally of 65 poles.
In return, he was presented with one of Senna’s original race helmets by the late driver’s family—an emotional, full-circle moment.
Further cementing this connection, Hamilton recently paid homage again at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix. He drove Senna’s 1990 McLaren MP4/5B, the car that carried the Brazilian legend to his second world title.
The gesture wasn’t just ceremonial; it underlined how deeply Senna’s legacy influences today’s drivers—especially Lewis.
Ça appartient au GOAT Mcqueen tout simplement ! https://t.co/RffC6QKhxu
— Isack Hadjar (@Isack_Hadjar) December 23, 2024
The Debate Through the Eyes of a New Generation
Hadjar represents a new generation of Formula 1 drivers—those who didn’t grow up watching Senna live but understand his impact through highlights, anecdotes, and analysis. His thoughtful comparison shows that these legends transcend time.
Young drivers like Hadjar are not swayed by just sentiment or numbers—they study performance characteristics, strengths, and legacy from a more data-driven, holistic lens. His balanced view pays respect to both drivers without taking sides.
Fans and Factions: A Never-Ending Discussion
The debate between Senna and Hamilton has persisted for years. Fans of Senna often emphasize his flair, charisma, and daring overtakes, particularly in challenging conditions. His death at Imola in 1994 also immortalized him as a hero gone too soon.
Hamilton supporters, on the other hand, highlight his sheer dominance, technical precision, and cultural impact. His longevity in an evolving sport and continued success even into his late 30s put him in a league of his own.
Hadjar’s comments won’t end this debate—but they do offer a refreshing middle ground that both camps can appreciate.
What Isack Hadjar’s Insight Means for the Future?
Isack Hadjar’s nuanced answer reflects a maturity uncommon among rookie drivers.3
As he builds his own career in Formula 1, his understanding of the sport’s heritage and its icons will likely guide him both in mindset and approach.
The fact that a rising star like Hadjar can contribute thoughtfully to such a heavy debate is a reminder that F1 is more than just a contest of speed—it’s a legacy built on personality, prowess, and perspective.
Legacy Beyond Numbers
Both Senna and Hamilton have influenced motorsport far beyond what can be captured in numbers. Senna’s charitable efforts in Brazil, his spiritual presence, and fearless driving style still captivate millions.
Hamilton, meanwhile, has broken barriers for diversity in racing, used his platform for social justice, and inspired a broader demographic to engage with F1.
Hadjar’s diplomatic distinction—Senna as the fastest, Hamilton as the best—acknowledges that greatness in F1 cannot be measured on one axis alone.
It’s not just speed or titles; it’s the emotional connection, the consistency, the charisma, and the cultural imprint that make a driver legendary.
Also Read: Sebastian Montoya Steps into the Spotlight: PREMA Racing’s Newest F2 Talent
Isack Hadjar Names Lewis Hamilton’s Brazilian GP Win as His Favorite F1 Moment
In the high-octane world of Formula 1, where every second counts and every race can redefine history, it’s not uncommon for drivers to have personal heroes and unforgettable moments that shape their passion for the sport.
For Isack Hadjar, the French-Algerian Racing Bulls driver and former Formula 2 standout, that iconic moment came in 2021 during the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.
When asked about his favorite F1 memory during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Hadjar didn’t hesitate—he named Lewis Hamilton’s thrilling and historic win at the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix as his ultimate moment.
In a sport teeming with legendary races, Hadjar’s pick is not just emotional but also reflective of the dramatic, unpredictable, and awe-inspiring nature of Formula 1.
View this post on Instagram
Brazil 2021: The Context Behind the Comeback
The 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix, officially known as the São Paulo Grand Prix, came at a critical point in the intense title battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. With only a handful of races left in the season, every point mattered.
Hamilton entered the weekend under immense pressure—not only from the championship fight but also due to several setbacks that would have crippled a lesser driver’s chances.
After being disqualified from Friday’s qualifying for a DRS infringement, Hamilton was forced to start Saturday’s Sprint race from the back of the grid. Despite the odds, he delivered a sensational performance, overtaking 15 cars to finish fifth in just 24 laps.
However, due to an engine change, Hamilton incurred a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s main race, meaning he would start from P10. What followed was nothing short of a masterclass in racing.
The Hamilton-Verstappen Duel: Pure Motorsport Theater
What made the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix especially memorable wasn’t just Hamilton’s rise through the field—it was the heart-pounding battle between the two title contenders.
Max Verstappen, already known for his aggressive and unyielding driving style, was leading the race and determined to extend his championship advantage.
As Hamilton closed the gap, fans around the world were treated to a wheel-to-wheel duel that will be etched in F1 history. Lap after lap, Hamilton tested Verstappen’s defenses.
On lap 59, after more than 10 laps of intense pressure, Hamilton finally made the move stick, overtaking the Red Bull into Turn 4. The crowd erupted, and so did the Mercedes garage.
Hamilton didn’t just overtake Verstappen; he drove away from him, eventually winning the race by more than 10 seconds—a gap that emphasized just how much pace and poise he possessed that weekend.
Isack Hadjar’s Take: Why Brazil 2021 Stood Out
Isack Hadjar’s admiration for the race is more than just fanfare.
Reflecting on the weekend, Hadjar told @simsgazette on X (formerly Twitter):
“I’m going to be so controversial now. And I love it. Brazil ’21. I’m a big Lewis fan. That was a BIG weekend. That was big. That was an amazing, amazing weekend.”
Hadjar, like many young drivers, grew up watching Hamilton dominate the sport, and moments like the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix serve as powerful inspiration.
In a career defined by perseverance, resilience, and talent, Hamilton’s triumph in Brazil was the ultimate representation of overcoming adversity—a storyline any aspiring racer, including Hadjar, could admire.
The Technical Brilliance: Mercedes’ Bold Strategy
Behind every great performance in Formula 1 is a team that gets the job done behind the scenes. Mercedes’ strategic decisions that weekend were equally crucial.
The team took a bold gamble by fitting a new internal combustion engine, knowing it would cost them a grid penalty.
But it gave Hamilton a power advantage, one he wielded to perfection. Mercedes also nailed the tire strategy and pit stop timings, ensuring Hamilton had the tools to attack in the crucial final stint.
Hadjar, as a technically savvy driver himself, likely appreciated not only the on-track heroics but also the precision and risk management that powered the comeback.
Also Read: Ty Dillon Breaks Down Why Kaulig Racing Will Help Him Reach New Heights
