Isaac Hadjar: I'm in seventh heaven!

      After the finish at Zandvoort, Isack Hadjar spoke with delight about his first podium in Formula 1…

      Question: How difficult was it in the race to cope with the pressure from George Russell and the Ferrari drivers?

      Isack Hadjar: It wasn’t easy. Luckily, I had a good start and kept fourth place. I knew Charles would try to overtake me, but the brake balance was excellent, I positioned the car correctly and didn’t let him get past me.

      After a while, having made sure I could calmly keep him behind, I decided to try to achieve more. Closer to the end of the race I thought that if something happened up front, I’d be on the podium — and that’s how it turned out.

      Question: Can you name one person who played a decisive role in your career, without whom you wouldn’t be here today and wouldn’t have climbed onto the podium?

      Isack Hadjar: It’s not one person. First and foremost, my parents. And in sporting terms — Helmut Marko, who gave me a chance. I remember four years ago he signed me while I was still in regional formulas, showing the path I’ve been following quite successfully since then.

      Question: Ahead is a home race for Racing Bulls in Monza. You’ve said all season that the car is fast. What result are you expecting?

      Isack Hadjar: At Monza, given the very long straight, it won’t be easy for us. But we can always surprise. We’ll hope for the best. Historically, the team has always performed well at this track. Pierre Gasly won at Monza a few years ago. Expectations are positive, we’ll see.

      Question: After the misfortune at the start of the season in Australia [where Hadjar spun on the warm-up lap, hit the barrier, broke the suspension and cried], could you have expected that the first podium would come so soon?

      Isack Hadjar: Back in Australia I felt like my life was over, but then you realise anything can happen and you recover quickly. I didn’t expect I could get on the podium under normal circumstances and without a large number of retirements. Fourth place in terms of pace would have been a great result, and third — I’m simply over the moon.

      Question: Recently you said you model yourself on Max in everything and sometimes turn to him for advice. What was it like to share the podium with him?

      Isack Hadjar: It’s a wonderful feeling. I’ve looked up to Max since I was young. For the last five years he’s been simply incredible. To share the track with him, to follow him within two to three seconds for an entire race, to share my first podium with him at his home circuit — it’s truly great.