It was supposed to be a routine practice session at the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin. But just 15 minutes into FP1, Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar found himself at the centre of one of the funniest radio moments of the season.
The 21-year-old Frenchman, making another confident outing for the team, was cruising around Circuit of the Americas when his engineer suddenly broke in over the radio with a stern warning:
“Bottas is chasing you!”
Hadjar, understandably puzzled, didn’t take long to fire back.
“Stop it with Bottas, man. It’s very confusing!” he said, clearly amused — and a little bewildered.
Because, of course, Valtteri Bottas couldn’t possibly be behind him.
Valtteri Bottas isn’t back driving in F1 just yet. 😅
Listen to this confusing radio
moment with Isack Hadjar. pic.twitter.com/gjd7rLxy57
— Motorsport (@Motorsport) October 17, 2025
The Finnish driver isn’t even racing this season — he’s currently serving as Mercedes’ reserve and test driver, spending his weekends in briefings, not battling through the field.
Turns out, the poor engineer had meant to say Gabriel Bortoleto, the Sauber junior filling in during the session.
A simple slip of the tongue, but one that instantly went viral.
Hadjar Keeps His Cool, Eyes on the Future
Hadjar didn’t let the incident throw him off. He finished ninth in the only practice session before slipping to 12th in Sprint Qualifying — just outside the top 10.
Off-track, though, the Frenchman has been dealing with a different kind of pressure.
As rumors swirl around Red Bull’s 2026 lineup, Hadjar remains firmly in the conversation as a potential partner to Max Verstappen. The team is expected to confirm its plans by next week’s Mexican Grand Prix, and Hadjar’s performances this season have only strengthened his case.
“I’m just focused on doing my job,” Hadjar told reporters earlier in the week. “What happens next is up to the team.”
Bottas Making His Way Back On Track
Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas, the unintended star of Hadjar’s radio comedy, will make his official return to the grid next season — leading Cadillac’s bold entry into Formula 1.
“I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity,” Bottas said. “And this feels like the perfect time.”
For now, though, Hadjar gets the last laugh — proof that even in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, a good radio blooper can steal the show.
