The much-anticipated Formula 1 initiation of French prodigy, Isack Hadjar, at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix was abruptly halted before it even got off the starting line. The young Racing Bulls hotshot experienced a heartrending crash on the formation lap, leaving him visibly distressed as he navigated his way back to the Albert Park paddock. Amidst the turmoil, a surprising figure rose to offer consolation – Anthony Hamilton, father of F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton.
The disastrous incident occurred as Hadjar was warming his tyres at Turn 2. A heavy throttle application sent his rear wheels spinning uncontrollably. The car abruptly lurched and skidded into the barriers, inflicting such severe damage to the rear wing that rejoining the race was rendered impossible.
Speaking to the assembled press, including representatives from Total-Motorsport.com, a despondent Hadjar did not hold back his feelings, stating, “Just embarrassed and sorry for the team.”
As the rookie driver returned to the garage, visibly shaken, Anthony Hamilton extended a comforting embrace and shared a few private words of encouragement. It was a poignant moment demonstrating the close-knit camaraderie within the Formula 1 fraternity during times of adversity.
Reflecting on this gesture of support, the young driver expressed his gratitude: “It means a lot knowing that he knew where I was. How bad I felt, to go and see me in the worst moment ever, I think it’s nice just from him. I really appreciate that.”
Hadjar further elaborated on the cause of the crash, acknowledging his novice error as he attempted to ready himself for an anticipated challenging wet race. “I mean, overdid it, over slipped the rears and once I lost the car, tried to save it, I was just a passenger. Just snapped so, so fast,” he explained.
The disappointment was further intensified by the potential the weekend had offered him and his team. After an exceptional qualifying run, Hadjar had been aiming for points in his inaugural F1 race. His adaptability in unpredictable weather conditions might have given him the edge. Instead, he was relegated to a spectator’s role, while his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, starting fifth on the grid, was burdened with the responsibility of scoring for Racing Bulls.
Despite the setback, Hadjar is already setting his sights on the forthcoming Chinese Grand Prix. He shared his enthusiasm about his next race: “I’m really looking forward to being in Shanghai. I think the speed is here, so I just can’t wait to hit the track.”
He also spoke candidly about the pressure he feels now that he is a part of the F1 circuit: “I feel the pressure I put on myself to perform, but external pressure will always be a bit lower than that. The pressure you have to get to F1 is more difficult because now I’m in F1 I will be judged only by my performance within the team.”
Laurent Mekies, the Racing Bulls team principal, had previously stressed the importance of insulating Hadjar from external distractions to allow him to build his confidence in the car. “We really try to isolate him from all the noise outside,” Mekies said. “It’s important that he gets the laps, gets comfortable in the car, that he takes things step by step. It’s a long weekend, it’s a long season.”
Although his F1 career has started with a harsh setback, Hadjar’s candid admission and humility will surely earn him respect in the paddock. With the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix on the horizon, this rising star is poised to demonstrate his worth. His unfortunate episode in Melbourne may just serve as a stepping stone to greater success. And with the support of figures like Anthony Hamilton, he knows he’s not alone on this journey.