Hadjar cites Hamilton's rookie season in F1 learning-curve debate

Isack Hadjar has challenged the idea that simulators and improved car characteristics have made it easier for rookies to adapt to Formula 1. Asked whether those changes have flattened the learning curve, he told media, including RacingNews365: “I believe that if you're good, you're good.”

His example was Lewis Hamilton's rookie season at McLaren in 2007. Hamilton fought team-mate Fernando Alonso and Ferrari's Kimi Räikkönen for the title from his very first race.

Hadjar said he sees more drivers adapting quickly now than perhaps 20 or 30 years ago. He suggested junior categories may be higher in quality and competitiveness, perhaps lifting the overall level. But he argued that ability showed itself straight away in earlier generations too.