Formula 1 newbie Isack Hadjar experienced a dream-shattering debut at the Australian Grand Prix, with his race ending abruptly after losing control of his vehicle during the formation lap. His emotional reaction was harshly criticized by Red Bull advisor, Helmut Marko, but he found solace in the comforting words of the Hamilton family.
Hadjar, a rookie under the Racing Bulls banner and a participant of the Red Bull junior program, was under immense pressure to deliver a noteworthy performance during his first race. He was hoping for an impressive debut to solidify his position within the team and avoid any discussions of a mid-season replacement.
The young driver showed promising signs up until the final race day. Hadjar had been lauded for his improved communication with his team and detailed analysis of his performance during practice sessions. He even secured an impressive 11th place starting position in the qualifiers, outperforming the other rookies making their full-season debut.
Unfortunately, Hadjar’s strong start crumbled mere seconds into the formation lap. The Albert Park Circuit was waterlogged due to unexpected rainfall, making the track treacherous. Hadjar succumbed to the slippery conditions and crashed his car over the slick white paint of the street circuit, thereby concluding his debut race prematurely.
The disappointment was palpable as the rookie driver returned to the paddock, visibly distraught and tearful under his helmet. His emotional response, however, was met with stern criticism from Helmut Marko, who branded his reaction as “embarrassing.”
In the face of such adversity, Hadjar found support and comfort from an unexpected source – the Hamiltons. Anthony Hamilton, father of Lewis Hamilton, offered a few comforting words and a reassuring hug to the devastated rookie. Speaking to Canal+, Anthony Hamilton expressed his empathy and encouraged Hadjar to keep his spirits high.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Anthony Hamilton reiterated his belief in Hadjar’s talent and potential, stating that there’s more to come from the rookie driver than what was witnessed during the weekend.
However, it wasn’t just Anthony Hamilton who reached out to support the young driver. Lewis Hamilton, himself a celebrated figure in the world of Formula 1, also reached out to Hadjar. The seven-time world champion revealed in a press conference prior to the Chinese Grand Prix that he had a phone conversation with Hadjar, offering him words of encouragement and support.
Hamilton mentioned that he had advised Hadjar to enjoy his first race and not to be overly hard on himself. He even shared that they had taken a selfie together before the race, marking their respective milestones – Hamilton’s first race with Ferrari and Hadjar’s inaugural Formula 1 race.
Despite the harsh setback in Australia, Hadjar is set to restart his Formula 1 journey at the Chinese Grand Prix, where he is expected to deliver a stronger performance. With clear weather predicted in China, the stage is set for Hadjar to bounce back and prove his worth on the track.
