Isack Hadjar crashed out of the Australian Grand Prix on the formation lap and was left in tears, but received support from both Lewis Hamilton and his father Anthony
Isack Hadjar received a text from his ‘idol’ Lewis Hamilton after his unfortunate crash during the formation lap at the Australian Grand Prix. The French-Algerian driver had an impressive qualifying session at the Albert Park Circuit, securing a P10 grid position.
Tragically, en route to the rain-drenched starting grid, the 20-year-old lost control of his car and crashed on the exit of Turn Two, cutting short his F1 debut in a devastating manner. Overcome with emotion, the Racing Bulls driver was seen with his hands inside his visor, wiping away tears as he made his way back through the paddock.
Support came swiftly for Hadjar. Anthony Hamilton, father of the seven-time world champion Lewis, consoled the Racing Bulls driver with a hug in the paddock and offered him some advice. He also made a point to visit him later in the team’s hospitality area.
“He said it reminded him of Lewis parking the car in the pit entry in Shanghai,” Hadjar said ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix. “It was a nice moment sharing time with someone like Anthony. Obviously, the dad of my idol. It was quite a special moment, and Lewis sent me a message later that day. Really classy guys.”
However, not everyone in the paddock was as empathetic. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko told ORF: “Isack Hadjar did a little bit of crying after his crash. That was a bit embarrassing.”
Responding to the remarks from the ever-outspoken Marko, Hadjar displayed little concern. “I found it embarrassing myself,” he admitted. “You know Helmut.
“I had him on the phone a day later. It’s all good. I’ve known him for a few years now. I know how he works and also another point, I think he was speaking German. It was re-interpreted differently. You don’t know about the body language.
“I haven’t seen the footage. I can’t say much, but apart from that, all of the love from the fans and the people, I didn’t expect that at all when I binned it in the wall, so that was nice.”
Hadjar wasn’t the only rookie who had a bad day at the office. Alpine star Jack Doohan crashed out of the race, as did Sauber newcomer Gabriel Bortoleto.
Lando Norris crossed the finish line first to make a dream start to the 2025 season, with Max Verstappen finishing just shy of a second behind him. George Russell took the final podium spot, while Russell’s new Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli finished fourth.
It was a day to forget for Hamilton, who began his Ferrari career with a 10th place finish. His team-mate Charles Leclerc didn’t fare much better, finishing eighth.
