The treacherous weather conditions at the F1 Australian GP affected drivers throughout the race, including Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar.
He was due to start from P11, but as he powered through Turn 2, he lit up his rear tyres and spun into the barriers, causing significant damage to his rear wing. It led to a DNS.
This crash delayed the start as the marshals worked to clear the stricken car from the track. Hadjar was inconsolable at the side of the circuit.
Rookie mistakes
Speaking in the print media zone after the race, a devastated Isack Hadjar opened up about the disappointment.
“Just embarrassed and sorry for the team.
“I overdid it, overslipped the rears and once I lost the car I tried to save it. I was just a passenger; it snapped so fast. I didn’t expect it.
“I’m just mad, these mistakes can happen; breaking the car so early in the season really breaks my heart.”
He went on to acknowledge his own misjudgment, apologising to the team:
“My approach was not the right one. We all know conditions can be tricky. It can happen to anyone. But I didn’t want it to happen to me this early.
“I’m really sorry for the team. I’m missing out on more experience. My first Grand Prix, missing out on a wet track. I wish I could be driving right now.”
Comments on Hadjar’s reaction
Hadjar’s evident heartbreak as he walked through the paddock drew sympathy from many, including Anthony Hamilton, father of Lewis Hamilton, who approached the rookie to console him.
Hadjar appreciated the gesture, saying: “It means a lot knowing that he knew where I was, how bad I felt, to go and see me in the worst moment ever. I think it’s a nice gesture from him. I really appreciate that. Just keep my head high and be proud of myself. I did well yesterday. Nice stuff.”
F1’s CEO Stefano Domenicalli also consoled Hadjar: “Stefano came in my driver’s room and said similar things. It’s nice to feel the support from them. It’s a nice gesture.”
On the other hand, Red Bull’s motorsport consultant Helmut Marko was far less sympathetic, bluntly stating to ORF: “[Hadjar] put on a tearful show”, and “that was a bit embarrassing”.
While Peter Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO defended his rookie, pointing to the challenging conditions:
“It can happen to anyone in these conditions. One small, minimal mistake and then it’s over. Thank God we have another race for him next week.”
He also talked about how the slippery painted lines were an issue raised by all the drivers ahead of the race:
“That was even discussed in the drivers’ meeting. I think Lewis mentioned it or Max, I’m no longer sure, that these lines are not helpful. And especially right in the zone when it gets wet, when it can get slippery. And yes, that was probably his downfall.”
Eyes set on China
Looking ahead to next week’s race in Shanghai, Hadjar expressed his eagerness to return to the track, acknowledging the tough road to F1 and highlighting his resilience:
“I’m really looking forward to being in Shanghai. I think the speed is here. I just can’t wait to hit the track next week.
“I would say I’ve had similar low moments like this. This one is tough. But my way to F1 was also quite brutal. I would say I have a strong chin. But this one definitely hits pretty hard.”
