The Australian Grand Prix start has been aborted after Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar crashed on the formation lap. The driver was consoled by Lewis Hamilton’s father, Anthony, as he trudged back to the paddock.
The rookie driver accelerated hard at Turn 2 in an attempt to heat his tyres, spinning the rears and subsequently sending the car into the wall. The side of the car hit the wall, causing damage to the rear wing assembly and ending his first Formula 1 race before it had even begun.
This will be a disappointing start for the Frenchman who was looking forward to the wet race after an impressive qualifying from the Red Bull sister team.
The driver seemed to be unharmed and was able to get out of the car unassisted.
The start of the race has been aborted and delayed. The race will now start at 3.15 p.m. local time.
Racing Bulls now relies on Yuki Tsunoda to bring points home. The Japanese driver will start the race from fifth.
Isack Hadjar, RB F1 Team
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Speaking about his first F1 race of his rookie season, Hadjar previously explained:
“I feel the pressure I put on myself to perform, but external pressure will always be a bit lower than that,” Hadjar said. “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. In Formula 2, Formula 3, there are too many aspects you cannot control.”
Team principal Laurent Mekies also commented:
“We really try to isolate him from all the noise outside,” team principal Laurent Mekies told Sky Sports F1.
“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. So, we really try to make sure that it gets at ease with the car.”
Walking back to the paddock, Anthony Hamilton, Lewis Hamilton’s father, was there to embrace the driver. Visibly emotional, the driver received words of support from Hamilton.
