Isack Hadjar’s Formula 1 debut ended before it had even started at the Australian Grand Prix. The rookie received overwhelming support from key figures in the paddock.
Hopes were high going into his first race with Racing Bulls in 2025. Hadjar qualified best of the rookies as he missed out on Q3 with 11th, while teammate Yuki Tsunoda managed an impressive P5.
The tricky wet weather conditions were certain to provide a chaotic Australian Grand Prix – and it caught out the 20-year-old before the race had even started.
Hadjar spun on the formation lap and hit the wall at turn 2, damaging his car beyond repair, The crash caused a delayed start and marked the end of his F1 debut.
The Frenchman was inconsolable as he walked by to the paddock in tears. Red Bull chief advisor Helmut Marko labelled his tearful reaction as ’embarrassing’ after the race.
While the Austrian was less sympathetic than others, Hadjar received incredible support from around the world – including from his idol Lewis Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton proves he is the perfect F1 ambassador by sending Isack Hadjar a message after Australian GP crash
It is a known fact that Hadjar is a huge admirer of Hamilton having grown up idolising the seven-time world champion. The Racing Bulls driver is still trying to process racing against him this season as Hadjar was ‘sweating’ meeting Hamilton for the first time in pre-season.
In Melbourne, Hadjar was consoled by Hamilton’s father Anthony, who offered words of encouragement and told him to keep his head up. Speaking during the press conference at the Chinese Grand Prix, the 20-year-old shared that his crash reminded Anthony of his son’s retirement in 2007 in Shanghai.
He also shared that Hamilton himself sent him a message after the race. Talking about his conversation with Anthony, Hadjar said: “He said it reminded him of Lewis parking the car at the pit entry in Shanghai. It was a nice moment sharing time with someone like Anthony [Hamilton], the dad of my idol.
“And Lewis sent me a message later that day. Really classy guys.”
The 40-year-old’s class act to Hadjar proves he is the perfect ambassador for F1. Hamilton knows the feeling of having setbacks in crucial moments in his career, such as his retirement in the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix and losing the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – both costing him an eighth title.
The Ferrari driver’s support for Hadjar in Melbourne shows why staying in the sport after retirement would be great for him. His words of encouragement will go a long way for young drivers.
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Lewis Hamilton’s encouragement to Isack Hadjar will be crucial for his 2025 season
A setback like the one Hadjar suffered in Melbourne will leave any driver crestfallen. The crucial thing is how the Frenchman will recover from here.
Ted Kravitz says Hadjar was nervous on the grid before the race – completely natural given he is a rookie and had likely never driven his VCARB 02 in the rain.
Despite his rookie nerves, the 20-year-old showed in qualifying he had pace in the dry conditions. With Shanghai set to have very different conditions to Melbourne, it gives Hadjar the perfect chance to redeem himself.
Support from Lewis and Anthony Hamilton is almost certain to spur him on. Receiving support from his idol will go a long way for Hadjar – many will watch the Chinese Grand Prix eagerly to see if he can recover.
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