The Australian GP is unforgiving: during the formation lap, Isack Hadjar crashes into the barriers but is comforted by an unexpected spectator—Lewis Hamilton’s father.
It was not the start the young Racing Bulls rookie had hoped for. After qualifying in eleventh place, just missing out on the top ten, the French-Algerian driver didn’t even get to start his first race and ended up in the wall. While trying to warm up his tires, Isack Hadjar suddenly accelerated in Turn 2, losing control of his car.
Disappointed and frustrated, the Racing Bulls driver walked towards the team hospitality in tears but was met by Anthony Hamilton, the father of the seven-time world champion, who consoled him. “It means a lot to me that he came to see how I was feeling,” Isack Hadjar said to the media after the incident. “I was feeling terrible, and for him to come and check on me at my lowest moment—I think that was really nice of him. He told me he was proud of me because I drove well yesterday. I really appreciate it.”
Regarding his early retirement from the race, he said: “[I just need to] keep my head up and prove my worth. I did well yesterday. I’m just angry. These mistakes can happen, but breaking the car so early in the season really breaks my heart. I feel really sorry for the team.”
Explaining the crash, Isack Hadjar added: “[I] pushed the rear wheels too much. Once I lost control of the car, I tried to save it, but it was already too late. It just snapped, just like that, really fast.”
Now, he looks ahead to China: “I think the speed is there, so I’m looking forward to being back on track.”
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