"I just wanted to give him a hug": How Anthony Hamilton comforted Isack Hadjar after emotional Australian GP mishap

Isack Hadjar’s Formula 1 debut at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix was meant to be the realization of a lifelong dream. After securing an impressive P11 in qualifying, narrowly missing out on Q3, the French rookie was poised to make a strong statement in his maiden race. However, fate had other plans as his debut ended in heartbreak even before the race officially began.

Hadjar’s weekend had started on a high note with a strong qualifying performance that made him the highest-placed rookie. Lining up in P11, he had his sights set on scoring points in his very first race. However, the unpredictable Melbourne weather threw a curveball. With rain hitting the track before the start, drivers were forced onto wet tyres, with some opting for intermediates in anticipation of drying conditions.

Hadjar was one of those who gambled on the intermediates — a decision that quickly backfired. On the formation lap, while navigating Turn 2, his Racing Bulls VCARB 02 hit the white painted lines, causing him to lose control and spin into the barriers. The impact severely damaged the rear wing and suspension, making a quick repair impossible. The crash delayed the race start by ten minutes, and Hadjar remained silent over the team radio — a reflection of his devastation.
As Hadjar walked back to the paddock, clearly disheartened, Lewis Hamilton’s father, Anthony Hamilton, stepped in to console the young driver. The heartwarming moment quickly gained traction on social media, with fans praising Hamilton Sr.’s supportive gesture.

Explaining his reaction, Hamilton Sr. said, “As soon as I saw what happened to Isack, my heart felt, I just felt for him. It was just so sad to see…” He added, “I know how hard it is when these kids are 8 years of age and become a Formula 1 race driver. There’s a lot of pressure, all the way up. I just wanted to give him a hug, I behaved like a father.”

Hadjar later revealed the valuable advice he received from Hamilton Sr. after the race. “Anthony told me to keep my head high and be proud,” he shared with Motorsport.com.
Despite the crushing setback, Hadjar’s talent remains undeniable. His impressive qualifying performance has already caught the attention of the F1 paddock. Racing alongside his idol, Lewis Hamilton, had been a dream come true for Hadjar, and while his debut didn’t unfold as planned, the experience will likely shape his resilience moving forward.
Also Read: Isack Hadjar's F1 debut ends in disaster with crash before the race even starts, Lewis Hamilton's father consoles him
With the Chinese Grand Prix one week away, Hadjar now has an opportunity to regroup and make a fresh start. The setback at Melbourne might have stung, but the support from Anthony Hamilton and the lessons learned could serve as a turning point in his promising F1 career.