In a bold move that’s already sparking debates across the F1 community, Isaac Hadjar, the newly announced Red Bull driver, declared that Lewis Hamilton is the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in 2023. Now, before we dive into the debate, let’s all take a moment to appreciate how neatly this statement fits into the category of things you say when you’re trying to avoid having your future in the sport ruined. But, in all seriousness, let’s take a look at why Hadjar’s comment might be more controversial than he expected and whether it holds any real weight.
The Context: Isaac Hadjar’s Statement
For those who may have missed it, Isaac Hadjar, the 19-year-old French driver, made the comment about Lewis Hamilton being the GOAT in 2023 during a press event or interview (we assume it was somewhere where the cameras were rolling and PR teams were hovering nearby). Of course, Hadjar is a young and promising talent who’s about to step into one of the most coveted seats in Formula 1—Red Bull Racing. He’s likely trying to get in the good graces of the powers that be (hello, Christian Horner!) and show respect for a legend of the sport. But is calling Hamilton the GOAT really that simple? Should we all just nod and agree, or is there more to it?
Is Lewis Hamilton Really the GOAT of 2023?
Let’s pause for a moment and take a closer look at what Hadjar actually said. Yes, Lewis Hamilton is an absolute legend, with seven world titles and more podiums than you can shake a stick at. He’s been Mercedes’ golden boy for over a decade and has redefined modern F1 in terms of speed, skill, and resilience. So far, so good. But to crown him the GOAT in 2023… that’s where things get sticky.
Sure, Hamilton is undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers in F1 history. But in 2023, has he really been the best driver on the grid? He hasn’t claimed a world championship since 2020, and Max Verstappen has been the undisputed king of F1 for the past two seasons, sweeping both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships with Red Bull. Charles Leclerc, Sergio Perez, and Carlos Sainz may not have the titles, but they’ve certainly been putting up strong performances this year. So, why all the fuss about Hamilton being the GOAT of 2023?
In 2023, Max Verstappen broke records left and right—securing his third consecutive World Championship and absolutely dominating every race weekend. To be honest, you could say that Verstappen has been playing a different game altogether. So, is it really fair to give Hamilton the GOAT title in 2023 when Verstappen is in the prime of his career? Let’s just say Hadjar’s statement has a bit of an “awkward pause” vibe when you put it in the context of current F1 performances.
Hadjar Playing the Safe Card?
Now, let’s consider the possibility that Hadjar might not actually believe Hamilton is the GOAT of 2023, but is instead strategically playing the “I respect my elders” card. After all, Lewis Hamilton has been in the game for over a decade and remains one of the most respected figures in the sport. If you’re a young driver about to make your debut with Red Bull Racing, it’s probably not a bad idea to say something positive about one of F1’s most legendary drivers—especially when you’re trying to make your mark and avoid the wrath of the media.
Hadjar’s comment could be seen as a classic case of paying respect to the man who’s done it all in F1. However, does that make him right? Probably not. There’s no denying that Hamilton has earned the title of GOAT over the years, but in 2023, it’s a hard argument to make when Max Verstappen is out there breaking records and driving like a man possessed.
The Verstappen Factor
To put it bluntly: Max Verstappen in 2023 has been a force of nature. The man is on another level entirely. No one can deny that Verstappen’s dominance this year is unparalleled, and frankly, he’s the one setting new standards. While Hamilton might have the historical accolades, Verstappen has the momentum and the now. So, for Hadjar to give Hamilton the GOAT title in a season where Verstappen has taken things to an entirely new stratosphere—well, it’s going to rub a few fans the wrong way. And that’s not even touching on the fact that Verstappen still has the potential to claim even more championships in the years to come.
But let’s be real: Hadjar is probably just biding his time. If he ever wants to get into the Red Bull good books, the best strategy is to praise the drivers of the past, especially those who have paved the way for young talents like him. Hamilton’s achievements are undeniable, but Hadjar might want to steer clear of picking him as the GOAT of this specific year, as the world has moved on to a new level of dominance—one that’s wearing the #33.
A Little Humor Never Hurts
On a lighter note, can we talk about how Hadjar’s statement about Hamilton could’ve been taken in a more sarcastic tone? It’s as if the young driver was simply being polite at the family dinner table—hoping not to offend the head of the household (i.e., Christian Horner). Maybe he could’ve just said, “Hamilton is the GOAT, but Max Verstappen is the superhero of today” and been done with it. A little cheekiness wouldn’t hurt, right?
Conclusion: Playing It Safe or Just Misguided?
In conclusion, Isaac Hadjar’s statement about Lewis Hamilton being the GOAT of 2023 might be more about playing it safe than an honest evaluation of the current F1 landscape. While Hamilton’s legacy is secure, Max Verstappen has firmly established himself as the dominant force in the sport today. So, is Hadjar right to name Hamilton the GOAT of 2023? Probably not. But we can’t fault him for trying to navigate the tricky waters of F1 PR. Let’s just hope he doesn’t end up with too many awkward moments when he’s sitting next to Max at the next Red Bull dinner.
