What Lewis Hamilton’s father told Isack Hadjar after ’embarrassing’ Australian Grand Prix error

Isack Hadjar’s Formula 1 race debut lasted only two corners before the Australian Grand Prix had even begun.

The Racing Bulls driver had lined up on the grid in P11 after an impressive qualifying session and was looking to break into the points on his debut, but disaster struck on the formation lap.

Rain hit the Australian GP before the race started and forced all of the drivers onto wet tyres, with some gambling on the Intermediates knowing that the track was due to dry up.

Hadjar was on the Inters and as he worked his way through the first couple of corners on the formation lap, he touched the white painted lines and spun into the barriers at Turn 2.

The impact broke the rear wing and suspension on his Racing Bulls, leading to a delayed start by ten minutes, with Hadjar silent on the team radio after the incident.

Walking back to the paddock, Hadjar was consoled by Lewis Hamilton’s father, Anthony, as he made his way back to the Racing Bulls hospitality. The Frenchman revealed what he told him post-race in an interview with Sky Sports.

Isack Hadjar reveals Anthony Hamilton told him to keep his ‘head high’ after Australia GP crash

Hadjar has previously said that racing with Hamilton on the same track was a dream come true of his, having idolised the seven-time world champion when growing up. He was understandably dejected when speaking to media and revealed what Hamilton said to him when he consoled him in the paddock.

Hadjar: “I knew it was going to be tricky, even on the installation laps to the grid but it was drivable and I’m just sorry for the team right now and my close ones watching the race, it’s embarrassing.”

Rachel Brooks: “We saw Anthony Hamilton put an arm around your shoulder, did you get any words of encouragement from him?”

Hadjar: “He told me to keep my head high and be proud. He did say I did great work on Saturday, it’s a nice gesture from him.”

Only two rookies out of the six rookies finish F1 season opener

Hadjar was one of the six rookies taking part in the race and one of three making their F1 debut in the tricky conditions.

Out of all of them, only Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman were classified, having completed the full 57 laps.

After Hadjar went out, the next driver to retire was Jack Doohan in the opening laps after losing his car on the painted lines exiting Turn 5.

Gabriel Bortoleto crashed out at Turn 13 in what appeared to be a problem with the rear suspension, while Liam Lawson crashed out at the same place as Hadjar at Turn 2 just shortly after he spun his Red Bull exiting the final corner.