Hadjar revved up for ‘home’ Qatar Grand Prix

Doha, Qatar:Formula 1 rookie Isack Hadjar says racing in Qatar feels a bit like a home Grand Prix for him, as the French born driver continues to en...

Doha, Qatar: Formula 1 rookie Isack Hadjar says racing in Qatar feels “a bit like a home Grand Prix” for him, as the French-born driver continues to enjoy a breakthrough debut season that already includes a podium finish.

Speaking ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Qatar, the penultimate round of the 2025 season and the final stretch of the Middle Eastern contests, the Racing Bulls driver said Qatar and the region have become special to him both personally and professionally.

“There’s no French Grand Prix, so this is a bit like the home race for me,” Hadjar said in reply to a query by The Peninsula in a chat with media yesterday. “My parents always come to these places with me. They usually don’t come to races far away, but when it’s the Middle East, they are here. It’s nice,” the 21-year-old said.

Hadjar has visited Qatar “four or five times” for racing, football and training camps, and says the country has become one of his favourite stops on the calendar. “I like Qatar. They have the best training facilities. The racetrack is nice. Food is good. The weather is a bit hot, but perfect. The country is very advanced,” Hadjar said.

The 20-year-old, who made history this season as the first Arab driver to race in Formula 1, said the emotional connection to the region comes naturally. Born and raised in Paris but proud of his “Algerian, Syrian and Moroccan roots”, Hadjar said competing in front of Middle Eastern fans carries extra meaning.