Christian Horner defends Isack Hadjar: “Seeing him was heartbreaking. Sometimes we forget they are just kids”. Christian Horner defends Isack Hadjar after his crash at Albert Park.

Out before the start
One of the most iconic moments of the first GP of the 2025 season in Australia was the tears of rookie Isack Hadjar, who, after qualifying in a great 11th position on Saturday, had to forfeit his first-ever race due to a spin on the wet track during the reconnaissance lap. The mistake led him to crash his VCARB 02 into the barriers. After getting out of the car, the young Frenchman was inconsolable, despite the efforts to comfort him by Anthony Hamilton, Lewis’s father.

Helmut Marko ruthless, Christian Horner understanding
While Helmut Marko – the long-time Red Bull consultant and discoverer of young drivers – had been brutal in judging Isack Hadjar’s emotional response, calling it “embarrassing,” the team principal from Milton Keynes, Christian Horner, showed more humanity, empathizing with the 20-year-old Parisian. “It was really heartbreaking to see him so upset,” said the head of the Austrian-English team to journalists in Australia. “It was his first Grand Prix, and we often forget that these drivers are just kids.”

Christian Horner also suggested that the young Red Bull academy talent take some valuable lessons from the mistake that took him out of the race before it even started. “He did very well during the practice and qualifying,” the British manager said. “Of course, on Sunday, he went through a lot of emotions, but I think when he looks back on everything that happened, he’ll be able to learn a lot from the weekend. He has many bright days ahead of him.” – the Red Bull team principal concluded at the end of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.