Imagine finding out your child has landed a dream promotion before they even know about it. That’s exactly what happened to Isack Hadjar’s mum, and the story behind it is both heartwarming and a bit surprising. But here’s where it gets controversial: Should a parent, even one who’s also a manager, be the first to hear such life-changing news? Let’s dive into the details.
Isack Hadjar, the rising Formula 1 star, recently shared the fascinating tale of how he discovered his promotion to the Red Bull team—only to learn his mum had already been informed. In a candid interview on Red Bull’s Talking Bull podcast, Hadjar revealed that his mum, who also serves as his manager, received the call about his promotion before he did. And this is the part most people miss: Her role as both his mother and manager meant she was in the loop earlier than he was, sparking a playful yet thought-provoking moment between them.
Following a solid rookie season with Racing Bulls, Hadjar’s move to Red Bull’s sister team for the 2026 season was confirmed ahead of the 2025 Abu Dhabi finale. The Frenchman will step into the role alongside Max Verstappen, replacing Yuki Tsunoda. When asked about the moment he found out, Hadjar admitted, ‘She said she got the call before I did. She knew before I did, because she’s my manager and she knows more than I do!’ When pressed on whether his mum wished he’d heard the news directly from Red Bull, he chuckled, ‘Apparently!’
Despite having known about the promotion for some time, Hadjar confessed to moments of disbelief. ‘There are times when I think, yeah, I’m ready for this challenge, and other times when I’m like, what the hell am I doing here?’ he shared. Reflecting on his journey from go-karting to Formula 1, he added, ‘It’s surreal. I’m incredibly lucky—being good isn’t enough. Everything has to align perfectly.’
Hadjar also addressed his 12th-place finish in the 2025 Drivers’ Championship, acknowledging his disappointment but emphasizing that the result didn’t impact his promotion. ‘Whether it was P9 or P12, I checked all the boxes I needed to,’ he explained. ‘Even if I’d finished seventh, it wouldn’t have changed my 2026 season or my future. In the end, I’m okay with that.’
Now, here’s a question to spark debate: Should managers, even those who are family, be the first to receive such career-defining news? Or should athletes hear it directly from the source? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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