Anthony Hamilton’s “exceptional” gesture: Isack Hadjar’s father pays tribute to him
As Isack Hadjar impresses in his first season in Formula 1, a significant episode from the beginning of the year resurfaces. The young French driver's father publicly thanked Anthony Hamilton, Lewis's father, for a gesture of support during the Australian Grand Prix. A rare show of humanity in the paddock.
A difficult start to the season… then a brilliant one. At only 20 years old, Isack Hadjar is one of the revelations of this 2025 season. With already three consecutive finishes in the points, including a brilliant 6th place in Monaco and a 7th in Spain, the Racing Bulls driver sits in 9th place in the championship and confirms all the hopes placed in him.
But the beginnings were not easy. During the inaugural round in Melbourne, Hadjar cracked under pressure, going off track in the rain as early as the formation lap. In tears, inconsolable in the paddock, the Frenchman then received unexpected support from Anthony Hamilton, Lewis’s father, who had just arrived at Ferrari.
A gesture of kindness praised today by Yassine Hadjar, father of Isack and a quantum physics researcher at the University of Troyes.
« I wasn’t there at the moment of the crash; I had just arrived with his mother. That Anthony Hamilton did this, even though he wasn’t compelled to: I found it to be a truly exceptional gesture. »
A rare and precious support in the paddock
Anthony Hamilton, discreet yet influential, is known for his humane stances in the paddock, long before his son Lewis became a seven-time world champion. Seeing him comforting a distressed rookie, on the very day Lewis made his debut for Ferrari, left a lasting impression.
« It’s in those moments that true greatness is revealed, » remarks a member of the Spanish paddock.
The two men also found each other and embraced on the grid of the Spanish Grand Prix, proving that the connection established in Melbourne was not insignificant.
Red Bull in the crosshairs, but caution required
The meteoric rise of Hadjar does not go unnoticed by anyone. While Yuki Tsunoda has struggled since his promotion at Red Bull, and Max Verstappen is one penalty point away from a suspension due to accumulated infractions, Hadjar’s name is being frequently mentioned for a possible interim role.
But according to several sources, Racing Bulls has not yet favored any driver for a possible temporary replacement: Liam Lawson and Hadjar are equally likely for a potential Red Bull seat.
« This is not a scenario seriously considered by Red Bull at this stage », asserts a journalist close to the team. But the risk is very real: Verstappen will have to get through the Canadian and Austrian Grand Prix without incurring a single penalty point, or else face automatic suspension.
Humanity, Performance and a Promising Future
While the world of F1 often gets bogged down in power plays, the generosity of one father towards another reminds us that beyond results, emotion and human support still have their place. A moment suspended in time, in a sometimes ruthless sport, that the Hadjars will not forget.
