Isack Hadjar consoled by Lewis Hamilton's father after Australia GP crash
Isack Hadjar crashed out before his first Formula 1 race began.
Isack Hadjar, RB F1 Team crash
Photo by: Kym Illman / Getty Images
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, Anthony Hamilton
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
While speaking to the media, including Motorsport.com, Hadjar explained after the crash:
“Just embarrassed and sorry for team.”
Talking through what happened, he explained:
“I mean, [I] 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.”
Speaking about Antony Hamilton consoling him, he added:
“I mean 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.
“[I just need to] keep my head high and prove myself. I did well yesterday. I'm just mad, I mean these mistakes, they can happen, it's just breaking the car so early in the season really breaks my heart. Really sorry for the team.
“I'm missing out on more experience. My first Grand Prix, missing out on a wet track. I wish I could be driving right now.”
Looking ahead to the Chinese Grand Prix, Hadjar is keen to return to the track.
“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.”
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.
Photos from Australian GP - Race
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
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2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
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2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
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2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
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2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
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2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
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2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
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2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
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2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
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2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
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2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
2025 Australian Grand Prix - Sunday
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