Ahead of the Chinese GP, Isack Hadjar is eager to move on from his disappointing debut, revealing details of a conversation with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko and the compassionate support he received from Anthony and Lewis Hamilton.
The French driver was left devastated after spinning out at Turn 2 on the formation lap in wet conditions, ending his first Formula 1 race before it had even begun. Having delivered a strong weekend until that moment—including narrowly missing out on Q3—Hadjar’s emotional reaction was evident as he walked back to the motorhome, helmet still on, visibly shaken by the turn of events.
While Anthony Hamilton was the first to console him, Marko was less sympathetic, labelling Hadjar’s tearful response an “embarrassing” display. However, the 20-year-old has since spoken with Marko and has downplayed any controversy surrounding the Austrian’s remarks.
“I mean, I found it embarrassing myself,” Hadjar admitted, to the media and Motorsport.com. “I had Helmut on the phone a day later, and it’s all good. I’ve known him for a few years now. I’m used to how he works.”
“He was speaking German, he was reinterpreted differently. You don’t know about the body language. I didn’t see the footage, so I can’t say much. But apart from that, all the love from the fans and the people, I did not expect that at all when I binned it in the wall. So that was nice.”
“On Monday, I already felt quite a lot better, especially knowing that it’s a back-to-back weekend, so I’ve got to run it back quite early, not having a month to dwell on it.”
Support from the Hamiltons
Isack Hadjar also revealed that Anthony Hamilton shared a personal anecdote to help put the moment into perspective, drawing comparisons to his son Lewis Hamilton’s infamous exit from the 2007 Chinese GP. He beached his McLaren in the pit lane gravel trap.
“He said it reminded him of Lewis actually parking the car at the pit entry in Shanghai [at the 2007 Chinese Grand Prix],” Hadjar recalled. “It was a nice moment sharing time with someone like Anthony, obviously the dad of my idol, so it was quite a special moment. And indeed, Lewis sent me a message later that day. So, really classy guys.”
Backing from the paddock
Williams driver Alex Albon, who made his own debut under Red Bull’s junior setup, sympathised with Hadjar’s situation but was quick to highlight the strong start he had made to his F1 career.
“I don’t see it as much of a setback,” Albon said. “I think Isack had a fantastic start to his Formula 1 career. The pace was surprisingly strong, actually, from all the rookies for a weekend in Australia, where the track is very difficult. It’s been a good start for him. I think he’s going to be someone we’re looking out for, for the rest of the year.”
Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies echoed those sentiments, emphasising the positives from Hadjar’s debut weekend and downplaying the formation lap error.
“Of course, we’re trying to pick him up a little bit. He did such a perfect weekend until then and there is no way we are going to let that go into the bin just for that single event in super tricky conditions,” Mekies said. “You have seen more experienced drivers being caught out.”
“What I’m the most sorry about is that he didn’t get the mileage that he would have needed for the sort of conditions. But full support, full attack, we’ll regroup and prepare for China the best we can.”
Moving on to Shanghai
Both Isack Hadjar and Mekies are determined to take the positives from Melbourne rather than dwell on the negatives, with a quick turnaround to Shanghai offering the perfect chance for redemption. The weekend will also feature the first sprint race of the season, meaning Hadjar will have even more track time to gain valuable experience.
The widespread support from key paddock figures, particularly from the Hamiltons and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, reflects the impression Hadjar has made in his short time in the sport.
“That was very nice. I think it’s also a testimony of how good of an impression he has made in his first days in the F1 paddock, on and off track,” Mekies noted. “And on the other side, we are all old enough to know that you get these sorts of days. You need to go through them, and they make you stronger.”
With his focus now firmly set on the Chinese GP, Isack Hadjar is eager to turn the page and prove his resilience on track and to Helmut Marko. This ensures that his debut Grand Prix will be remembered for more than just a formation lap heartbreak.
