Racing Ahead: Isack Hadjar Breaks Boundaries On and Off the Track.
At just 20 years old, Isack Hadjar is already making history. The Algerian-French prodigy is the first Arab Formula 1™ driver, blazing a fearless path with Racing Bulls and turning heads as one of the sport’s most electrifying rising stars. This July, ahead of the British Grand Prix, Isack steps into a different kind of spotlight — fronting the bold new HUGO x VCARB by Slawn collaboration. The drop, which merges fashion, art, and speed, unveils both a striking new livery for the Visa Cash App RB team and an exclusive capsule collection designed by London-based artist Slawn.
In this KHAMSA exclusive, we caught up with Isack for a candid interview about representing his Arab roots on the global stage, the adrenaline of Formula 1™, and what it means to fuse performance with personal style.
All images are courtesy of HUGO x VCARB.
١. From go-karting in Paris to the F1 grid, was there a specific moment where you realized, “Okay, this isn’t just a dream anymore”?
Not really, because ever since I was 6 it was clear that I only wanted to be a Formula One driver, so I always worked towards that goal. Only last year when I signed my contract for Formula One, I realized I had finally made it to the grid. But before that there was no dream or anything, it was only hard work and dedication.
٢. You’ve been called “Le Petit Prost”. Do you relate to that comparison? And who were the racers you looked up to growing up?
I think I relate to him because we have a similar approach. We drive with our heads. Now that I’ve got to know him a bit more and we’ve finally had proper chats together, I can definitely say that we have things in common. Also, I’ve grown up watching documentaries about him and Senna racing together – the biggest rivalry in Formula One. These are the drivers I looked up to when I was a kid
٣. Let’s talk fashion! HUGO and the mantra HUGO Your Own Way champions individuality and self expression. How does this reflect in your personal style?
I think it expresses my freedom, my way of doing my own things. Whether I’m on or off-track. It’s the energy I relate to.
٤. What was your first reaction when you saw the new VCARB livery designed by HUGO in collaboration with Slawn for the British GP?
This has never been done before in the history of VCARB so we stood out. Slawn is someone I relate to because we have a lot of similarities. We’re both from big cities, him in London, me in Paris. I love what the project is about.
٥. Slawn is known for his bold, rebellious art. Do you see any parallels between his creative energy and your racing mindset?
Definitely. I mean racing is also an art. It’s all about inventing, adapting, and creating things. Whether it’s outside or inside the car, I really relate to that energy.
٦. Off track, how do you express yourself? Are you into fashion, music, art? What feels most “you” when you’re not in the car?
I think mainly music; I love rap in general – French and US rap. I have to say I also like fashion a lot, though. I’m really into it, but I like to keep it quiet and casual. It’s definitely something I enjoy.
٧. What’s something people might not know about the reality of being a 20-year-old in Formula One?
I think it’s probably known, but people don’t realize it fully that it’s just so busy. The schedule is very, very tough on the body and the mind – it’s a very long season. It isn’t an easy job, but it’s what I’ve been working towards my whole life and I’m enjoying it, but it does require some sacrifices!
٨. Last one. What do you hope your presence in F1 represents to young Arab kids watching you from afar?
I know I’m not a role model yet because I have just entered Formula One, but I hope I can be an inspiration to young kids. I hope I can inspire them to follow my path and make it to Formula One.
