Starting a Formula 1 Grand Prix as a full-time driver is a dream for everyone trying to build a career in motorsport behind the wheel of a racing car. Today, among others, it happened to Isack Hadjar, a promising Parisian from the Red Bull academy.
In reality, the only start Isack Hadjar made was the formation lap. After moving his Racing Bulls VCARB 02 off the grid, fitted with Intermediate tires due to the wet track at Albert Park, Isack took Turn 1 in first gear and lost the rear, crashing into the barriers with a shattered rear wing.
This meant only one thing: an immediate retirement from his first career GP without even starting the race. The start was then delayed by 15 minutes to allow the marshals to remove his VCARB 02 from the wall, while he remained with his helmet on, visor raised just enough to slip his hand in and cover his eyes.
A rookie mistake, but painful given the timing, especially after securing a good qualifying result the day before. “I’m just… embarrassed. And I’m very sorry,” said the Frenchman when he reached the media zone at Albert Park.
“I overdid it. I spun the rear wheels too much, and the car took off. I tried to save it, but once it started to slide, I was just a passenger. It all happened very quickly.”
Once back in the paddock, Anthony Hamilton—Lewis’s father—hugged and consoled him. A few minutes later, Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali also visited Isack Hadjar in the Faenza team’s hospitality, away from prying eyes.
“What Anthony did meant a lot to me. He knew where I was, how bad I felt. He came to see me at my lowest moment, and I think that was a wonderful gesture. I really appreciated it. He told me to keep my head up and prove my worth. Yesterday, I did well…”
“Others also came to console me. Stefano (Domenicali) came to support me. Seeing their encouragement was a nice gesture. Anyway, I’ve had moments like this before.”
During the race, several drivers made a mistake similar to Isack Hadjar’s—not just rookies, but also experienced drivers, race winners, and world champions like Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso. It was truly a tricky race due to the rain and the road markings that Melbourne residents use daily as traffic indicators.
“Seeing other drivers make similar mistakes doesn’t console me at all. My approach wasn’t the right one, that’s all. We all knew the conditions were tough, but I didn’t want this to happen to me so soon.”
“I’m angry because, yes, these mistakes can happen, but it happened right at the start of the season. It breaks my heart, and I feel incredibly sorry for the team. I lost an opportunity to gain experience. It would have been my first Grand Prix in the wet.”
“I really wish I could drive right now. The consolation is that I’ll be back on track in four days, and I can’t wait to be in Shanghai because I believe the car has the speed. I’m looking forward to getting back on track next week.”
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