Isack Hadjar’s F1 debut ends in disaster with crash before the race even starts, Lewis Hamilton’s father consoles him | Formula One News

Rookie racer Isack Hadjar faced a crushing setback before his first Formula 1 race could even begin at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix. The 20-year-old French driver, representing Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls, had shown immense promise during the qualifiers, securing an impressive 11th place — the highest finish among this year’s rookie drivers. However, his much-anticipated debut was cut short when a dramatic crash on the formation lap forced him out of the race.

Isack Hadjar’s Heartbreaking F1 Debut Ends Before It Begins at Australian Grand Prix

Isack Hadjar lost control of his car in wet conditions at Turn 2 while attempting to heat his tyres. His car spun, causing the rear wing to slam into the barrier, resulting in significant damage that made it impossible for him to continue. Despite walking away unharmed, Hadjar was visibly distraught. His head hung low as he was guided off the track by a marshal. The emotional toll of the moment was evident even through his helmet.
As Hadjar walked back to the paddock, he was comforted by Anthony Hamilton, the father of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton put an arm around the young driver in a gesture of support. F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali also reached out to Hadjar to offer encouragement after the heartbreaking incident.
Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle empathized with Hadjar’s situation, explaining how the incident unfolded: “He was just trying to get a bit of temperature, wasn’t he? And a bit too much torque application. He’s crying his eyes out, I suspect. It’s a lifelong commitment – you’ve done karting, junior racing, the family sacrifices. He’s [finally] a Formula 1 driver and, boom, he’s had a very silly mistake.” Brundle further analyzed that Hadjar’s left rear tire likely slipped on the white line, causing the car to spin uncontrollably.
Hadjar’s crash was just the beginning of a chaotic start to the F1 season. After a 15-minute delay, the race resumed only to witness another early setback. Jack Doohan, driving for Alpine, lost control and crashed on the first lap, drawing groans from the local crowd. Carlos Sainz also faced misfortune, spinning behind the safety car and crashing in his debut race for Williams. Sainz blamed the mishap on an unusual surge of torque from his engine, as reported over the team radio.
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While Hadjar’s debut ended in heartbreak, his strong qualifying performance signals that he has the talent to succeed at the highest level. Despite the painful start, the young French driver will have more opportunities to prove himself in the races ahead.