Rookie F1 driver Isack Hadjar has shared how he received an encouraging message from Lewis Hamilton in the aftermath of his disappointing debut at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. This comes in the face of disparaging comments from Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko, who dismissed Hadjar’s performance as “embarrassing.”
The young driver had a promising start to his maiden Grand Prix weekend, securing the 11th spot on the grid at Albert Park Circuit. However, his good fortune didn’t last long; he lost control of his VCARB 02 on the formation lap’s Turn 2, effectively ending his race before it even started.
Hadjar, visibly upset and tearful, retreated to the paddock, where Marko made his unflattering remark. This was a surprising commentary from the man instrumental in guiding the young driver from Red Bull’s junior ranks to F1.
However, Hadjar is of the opinion that Marko’s comments were misconstrued due to the language difference. The rookie driver, while acknowledging the embarrassing incident, remains positive about his relationship with Marko, “I had him on the phone a day later, and it’s all good,” he stated.
In contrast to Marko’s criticism, Hadjar received unexpected support from fans and, notably, from the Hamiltons. Anthony Hamilton, father of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, showed his solidarity to the rookie driver at the paddock. He encouraged Hadjar to “keep your head high, walk tall, you’re gonna come back.”
For Hadjar, who considers Lewis Hamilton his idol, the support was indeed “special.” The encouragement didn’t stop there; Lewis Hamilton himself reached out to the young driver with a supportive message, earning the champion and his father the tag of “really classy guys” from Hadjar.
Despite the initial setback in Australia, the rookie driver is ready for a fresh challenge in Shanghai. He is grateful for the quick turnaround, allowing him to bounce back rather than dwelling on the past. Hadjar remains optimistic and confident about his ability, as he felt the car was surprisingly fast and comfortable during his first weekend as a full-time F1 driver.
This resilience and his positive outlook provide a robust foundation for Hadjar as he gears up for the Chinese Grand Prix. As he reflects on his performance and the support he received, one thing is certain – he has the mental fortitude required for the demanding world of Formula 1.
