Formula 1 is a sport built on speed, skill, and relentless determination. But F1 is also a sport of immense pressure—where the line between success and failure is razor-thin.
So, when young Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar broke down in tears after crashing on the formation lap of his first-ever Grand Prix in Australia, was it really a sign of weakness? Or was it just a reminder that F1 drivers are human, too?
For Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, the answer seemed clear. The Austrian dismissed Hadjar’s visible distress, saying the 19-year-old had “put on a tearful show” and calling it “a bit embarrassing.” But is suppressing emotions really the mark of a great driver?
On the other hand, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner saw things differently. “It was quite heart-wrenching to see him so gutted,” Horner admitted. “You forget that these guys are just kids, really.” And he’s right—Hadjar’s emotional response wasn’t a sign of weakness but of passion. It was a reflection of how much this moment meant to him.
Hadjar himself expressed frustration at the mistake, calling it “embarrassing” and saying he was “mad” at himself. But he also showed resilience, noting, “This one is tough, but my way to F1 was also quite brutal. I would say I have a strong chin, but this one definitely hits pretty hard.”
The myth of the emotionless driver
F1 has long celebrated the idea of the stone-cold, mentally impenetrable driver. The greats—Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, Nicki Lauda—were known for their unwavering focus. But they were also known for their passion, their moments of vulnerability, and their ability to channel emotion into performance. Senna, for example, was deeply emotional, often speaking about the mental and spiritual challenges of racing.
Fans don’t tune in to watch machines driving around a circuit; they watch because they connect with the people behind the wheel. Seeing Hadjar’s heartbreak wasn’t embarrassing—it was relatable. In an era where sports psychology is more valued than ever, drivers should feel encouraged to process emotions rather than suppress them.
Drivers who chose to speak up
In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the way mental health is approached within Formula 1, as more and more drivers are speaking out about the psychological pressures they face. It’s a critical conversation that challenges the longstanding culture of stoicism and emotional suppression that has often been associated with the sport.
One of the most prominent voices advocating for mental health awareness in F1 is Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time World Champion has been outspoken about his own mental health struggles and the pressures of competing at the highest level. Hamilton has shared how the intense scrutiny and expectations placed on him have taken a toll on his emotional well-being. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hamilton spoke candidly about the isolation he felt, admitting to feeling “lonely” at times and acknowledging how difficult it was to balance the mental demands of racing with personal well-being. He has also used his platform to advocate for better mental health support within F1, urging teams and governing bodies to prioritise the mental and emotional health of drivers.
Another key figure in the conversation is Lando Norris, who has become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, particularly for younger drivers entering the sport. Norris has been very open about his struggles with mental health, especially during the 2020 season when he admitted to feeling pressure and anxiety. The McLaren driver has stressed the importance of seeking help and not being afraid to talk about mental health issues. He’s also expressed concerns about how mental health can often be overlooked in F1, given the focus on performance.
Initiatives to raise awareness within F1
There are also initiatives within the sport itself that reflect this growing awareness. Formula 1’s official partnership with the charity Mind, for example, has sought to raise awareness about mental health and ensure that resources are available for drivers and personnel who need support. F1 has also introduced initiatives such as mandatory “mental health days” for drivers and team members, offering a more supportive framework for athletes dealing with the psychological strain of the sport.
These conversations are essential not only for breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health but also for fostering a healthier and more supportive environment in the F1 paddock. The fact that drivers are opening up about their experiences demonstrates that mental health is no longer a taboo subject in the sport. It’s a sign that the culture of F1 is evolving, moving beyond the traditional mindset that only toughness and focus matter and recognising the human side of the sport.
The importance of mental health in F1
The pressures of Formula 1 are immense. Young drivers step into the spotlight with entire teams relying on them and millions of fans scrutinising their every move. The mental toll can be just as intense as the physical demands. A mistake on track can feel like the end of the world. But resilience isn’t about feeling nothing—it’s about bouncing back.
Hadjar’s moment of devastation shows that he cares and that he has the passion needed to succeed. And if he learns from this, as Horner suggests, he will come back stronger. Marko’s old-school mentality may have worked in the past, but today’s F1 demands more than just raw speed. It requires emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to handle the highs and the crushing lows.
In the end, Hadjar’s tears weren’t a sign of weakness. They were a sign that he belongs here.
Feature Image Credit: Red Bull Racing Content Pool
