Isack Hadjar has labelled his qualifying pace as his biggest surprise when assessing his rookie F1 campaign.
The Frenchman joined the Racing Bulls squad this year following a run to the runner-up spot in the Formula 2 drivers' championship last season.
His campaign began disastrously as a spin on the formation lap in Australia eliminated him from his maiden grand prix before it even got underway.
However, he has since impressed with his performances, which include a podium finish in the Netherlands in August.
When asked by media including RacingNews365 what element exceeded his expectations this year, Hadjar replied: “Pace.
“Just pace-wise [in] qualifying, [I have] been more competitive than I expected.”
Having been paired with Liam Lawson for all but two rounds this year, Hadjar holds the head-to-head advantage, outpacing the New Zealander 13-5 over one lap.
Hadjar revealed he has taken a “risk” approach to extracting pace this year, a decision that has so far worked in his favour.
“At the same time, I have no regrets as well, because I decided to take an approach,” he stated.
“I like taking risks and I know that when it pays off, it pays off big time.
“But on the other hand, when it's not paying off, it can be really brutal and frustrating. But we have been happy so far.”
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