Mixed reactions to Isack Hadjar’s crash on the warm-up lap

This is a Grand Prix he will unfortunately not forget. Brilliant during the qualifying on Saturday, missing out on a Q3 qualification by only a few thousandths for his very first weekend, Isack Hadjar didn’t experience the same celebration the following day. As all the drivers began the formation lap, the Frenchman lost control of his Racing Bulls at turn 2 and damaged the rear of his car against the safety barriers. A small mistake, especially in difficult conditions, but with significant consequences as the former F2 driver couldn’t even participate in the start of the race.

The French driver thus appeared very touched when he returned from the paddock. However, he was able to benefit from prestigious support in the person of Anthony Hamilton. The father of the seven-time world champion came to comfort him while the Frenchman was in tears. “I just wanted to offer him some support,” said Anthony Hamilton to ViaPlay. “I told him: ‘Keep your head up, man, you’ve been working since you were eight years old to get here.'”

A paddock supporting the French driver

The Briton also wanted to comfort Hadjar, as he knows very well how difficult it is for a young driver to enter F1 and have an accident in their very first race. It’s one of the most devastating things that can happen to a driver. But there is still much to come, and you have already proven that you deserve to be on this grid. So stand tall, puff out your chest, and move forward with pride. All parents can surely understand what he felt. He needed a hug, and I just felt I had to do it. But eventually, he lifted his head and started walking with more confidence. And I hope he will remember it.

Christian Horner, the director of the Austrian team, was also very moved by the Frenchman’s reaction after the race and is convinced that he will bounce back very quickly. « It was quite heartbreaking to see him so devastated, you know, for his first Grand Prix. I think the positive takeaway from this weekend is his very good performance during free practice and qualifying. We forget that these guys are just kids, and there is obviously a lot of emotion for him, but I think that when he reevaluates himself, he will find many positives from this weekend and he has many bright days ahead. »

On his side, Laurent Mekies, the director of Racing Bulls, insisted on defending his driver, stating that Isack will learn from this and turn his frustration into positive energy for the next race. We will be there to support him in the coming days before Shanghai and we will not let this overshadow all the positive points of this weekend. Lastly, his parents also came to support him during these difficult times. These statements were appreciated by the F2 vice-champion despite the frustration.

For Marko, Hadjar put on a show.

For his part, Helmut Marko, the technical advisor and head of the young drivers’ program at Red Bull, did not make similar remarks. According to him, the Frenchman’s attitude after the race was a bit awkward and embarrassing, particularly due to the tears shed by the French driver.

The Frenchman will nevertheless have the opportunity to correct his mistake this weekend in China for the second event of the season, which will also be the venue for one of the six sprint races of the season.