Hadjar's rough start at Australian GP draws support from Anthony Hamilton

Formula 1 rookie Isack Hadjar received comforting words from Lewis Hamilton's father, Anthony, after a devastating crash ended his Australian Grand Prix debut. Hadjar crashed backwards into the wall on the formation lap, a crushing blow for the Racing Bulls driver who had secured an impressive 11th place in qualifying.

Anthony Hamilton, in Melbourne for his son Lewis’s Ferrari debut, offered solace to the shaken 20-year-old. "He told me to keep my head high and be proud," Hadjar recounted. "He said I did well yesterday. It was a nice gesture from him."

Hadjar explained the difficulties of the wet and slippery conditions at Albert Park. "These cars, in these conditions, they just snap so fast that it's unsaveable," he told Sky Sports. "I'm just sorry for the team and my close ones watching the race. It's just embarrassing."

Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle sympathized, suggesting the young driver was heartbroken after such a mishap. "It's a lifelong commitment; you've done karting, junior racing, the family sacrifices. He's a Formula 1 driver at last and boom! He's had a very silly mistake," Brundle remarked.

Hadjar was one of six first-time drivers on the grid and one of four rookies who failed to finish. Alpine's Jack Doohan, Red Bull's Liam Lawson, and Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto also encountered issues. Only Mercedes's Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who impressively finished fourth, and Haas's Oliver Bearman reached the chequered flag.

Racing Bulls principal Laurent Mekies is confident Hadjar will bounce back. "He will learn from this and turn his frustration into good energy for the next race," Mekies said. "We will be here to support him before Shanghai and focus on the positives from this weekend."

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