Isack Hadjar’s Devastating F1 Debut: A Heart-Wrenching Moment with Lewis Hamilton’s Father
In the high-octane world of Formula 1, few moments are as crushing as a dismal debut, and Red Bull’s rising star Isack Hadjar experienced just that at the start of the 2025 season. The young French driver’s dreams were shattered before they even began when he crashed on the formation lap of his first-ever race during the Australian Grand Prix.
Hadjar, visibly distraught and overwhelmed, was seen walking through the paddock with his helmet still on, tears streaming down his face. The near-heroic aspirations of a rookie were abruptly transformed into a nightmare, as he confessed, “For me, my world collapsed that day.”
But in the depths of despair, an unexpected figure emerged to provide solace—Anthony Hamilton, the father of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Hadjar’s childhood idol. Their touching encounter served as a beacon of hope for the young driver, who was consoled by Hamilton’s warm embrace during a moment of vulnerability. It was a gesture that would linger in Hadjar’s heart, motivating him to bounce back from the catastrophic start.
Reflecting on the experience in a candid interview on the Talking Bull podcast, Hadjar shared, “In the car, the emotions were very, very high. But I’m in a sport where it’s not like you have a fight every six months; you get to run it back five days later, and that’s when I saw my opportunity.” His resilience shone through as he prepared to tackle the challenges ahead, stating, “I thought, ‘ok, I’m going to have a painful five days now thinking about this mistake, but I know I’ll get back in the car and show everyone what I can do.’”
True to his word, Hadjar quickly turned his fortunes around. Just a week later, he put in a stellar qualifying performance in China, securing P7 on the grid. Although he finished just outside the points in P11, the momentum was undeniable. At the next race in Japan, Hadjar finally broke through, clinching an eighth-place finish and earning four vital points—an encouraging sign for a driver on the rise.
However, it was at the Dutch Grand Prix where Hadjar truly solidified his place within the Red Bull family. Teaming up with Max Verstappen, the Frenchman delivered a remarkable performance, finishing on the podium with a career-best P3. This stunning result not only marked a significant milestone in his burgeoning career but also hinted at a bright future with Red Bull as the 2026 season approaches.
As Hadjar prepares to return to the Albert Park Circuit, having overcome the harrowing experience of his initial race, fans and critics alike are eager to see how he will fare alongside the four-time champion Verstappen. With the emotional support of figures like Anthony Hamilton and a newfound determination, Isack Hadjar is poised to make waves in the world of Formula 1. The question remains: will this young talent seize the moment and emerge as the next big star in the sport? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—his journey is just beginning.








