Hadjar says talent, not tools, drives rookie success in F1

Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar has rejected the idea that modern cars and simulator technology make it easier for rookies to adapt to Formula 1. He said that if a driver is good, that quality shows straight away, regardless of era.

Hadjar pointed to Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton as examples of drivers who adapted quickly. He also cited Kimi Antonelli, who has been crowned drivers' champion in just his second F1 season, and noted that Hamilton, Jacques Villeneuve and others have achieved similar feats before.

Hadjar argued that the level of competition in junior categories may have risen, which has lifted the overall standard, but that ability remains the deciding factor for newcomers.