Helmut Marko, a well-known figure in the world of Formula 1, recently referred to Isack Hadjar’s emotional response to his accident at the Australian Grand Prix as “a bit embarrassing.” The young Racing Bulls driver’s debut race ended abruptly when he lost control of his vehicle during the formation lap, leading to a collision with the barrier. The incident, which occurred in wet conditions at Turn 2, was a consequence of Hadjar’s attempt to heat his tires en route to the grid. Subsequently, he was seen devastated, shedding tears in the paddock, an image that touched many but was criticized by Marko.
When the unfortunate event unfolded, the majority of the paddock, in stark contrast to Marko’s sentiment, expressed empathy for the rookie. Anthony Hamilton, father of racing star Lewis Hamilton, who Hadjar openly admires, was among those who offered words of support. Speaking to Sky Sports, Hamilton Senior shared his immediate reaction to the crash, “My heart just sank for him, his parents, and everything they’ve worked for. It felt like everything was snatched away in an instant.”
Hamilton further expressed his belief in Hadjar’s talent and potential, encouraging him to stay strong and promising that better times lie ahead. The young driver, while devastated by the mishap, valued Hamilton’s gesture and acknowledged the comfort it brought him during such a difficult time.
The incident, as Hadjar explained, was a result of his aggressive approach to warming up his tires prior to his first wet race start in Formula 1. He expressed deep regret for his team and the damage caused to his car.
Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, also showed his support for the young driver. He commended Hadjar’s performance during the practices and qualifying and encouraged him to focus on the positives. He reminded everyone, “These guys are just kids really. Obviously a lot of emotion for him, but I think when he strips it back, there’s an awful lot of positives he can take out of the weekend. He’s got many bright days ahead of him.”
In conclusion, despite the harsh words from Marko, Hadjar’s debut in the world of Formula 1, although marred by unfortunate circumstances, also revealed a young talent met with empathy and support from the racing community. This incident will perhaps serve as a stepping stone, a valuable lesson for the rookie driver, encouraging him to rise above the adversity and come back stronger in his future races.
