Isack Hadjar’s dream Formula 1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix turned into a nightmare before the race even began. The 20-year-old French-Algerian talent had impressed in qualifying, securing a P10 starting position for Racing Bulls. But in the treacherous conditions of a rain-soaked Albert Park Circuit, his excitement was short-lived.

On the formation lap, Hadjar lost control of his car at Turn Two and crashed out, forcing a devastating early exit. Overcome with emotion, the young driver was seen wiping away tears as he walked back through the paddock—a brutal end to what should have been a momentous occasion.

A Hug and a Message from the Hamiltons

Despite the heartbreak, Hadjar didn’t face it alone. Anthony Hamilton, father of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, was quick to offer comfort. Stopping Hadjar in the paddock, he gave the rookie a hug and some words of encouragement. Later, he even visited Hadjar at the Racing Bulls hospitality unit, reminding him that setbacks like this are part of the journey.

Hadjar recalled the moment, saying, “He said it reminded him of Lewis parking the car in the pit entry in Shanghai.” That reference points back to Hamilton’s own early-career mishap in 2007 when he beached his McLaren in the gravel at the pit lane entry during the Chinese Grand Prix—a costly mistake in his rookie title fight.

The support didn’t stop there. Hadjar revealed that later that day, Lewis Hamilton himself reached out with a message of encouragement. “Really classy guys,” the Racing Bulls driver said, clearly moved by the gestures from both Hamiltons.

Not Everyone Was as Sympathetic

While many in the paddock showed their support, some took a less forgiving stance. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko had a harsher take on Hadjar’s emotional response, telling Austrian broadcaster ORF, “Isack Hadjar did a little bit of crying after his crash. That was a bit embarrassing.”