Fans blown away by conversation between Lewis Hamilton's father and Isack Hadjar following crash at Australian Grand Prix
Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar has opened up on his emotional post-race conversation with Lewis Hamilton's dad, Anthony, following his "embarrassing" crash at the Australian Grand Prix.
The 20-year-old rookie was left distraught on Sunday afternoon, after he lost control of his car on the formation lap of the season-opening race in Melbourne.
After following the pack through Turn 1 from his 11th place grid slot, Hadjar spun into the barriers with force, causing enough damage to the rear wing that meant he was unable to continue.
Hadjar climbed out of the wreckage in tears and, on his way back through the paddock, the French driver bumped into Anthony Hamilton, who comforted the rookie with some words of wisdom.
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When asked about the chat with Hamilton senior in his post-race interview, Hadjar looked emotional as he discussed their interaction.
"He said, 'Just keep your head high'.
"I think he knows what tough times are and I think he sees a rookie putting it in the wall on not even lap one and he knows how tough it feels. He came to comfort me and I think it was a really nice gesture from him."
Hadjar added: “Nevertheless, it feels really hard and I feel really sorry for the team.”
Speaking about the incident, Hadjar continued: “I just lost the rear-end of the car, these cars in these conditions, they snap so fast. And it’s unsavable, I couldn’t get the grip back.
"I knew it was going to be tricky, on the laps to the grid I knew it’d be tricky. I’m sorry for the team right now, my close ones watching the race... it’s just embarrassing.”
Anthony Hamilton, who watched on as his son finished 10th on the grid, also discussed his decision to console Hadjar following the crash in Melbourne.
"As soon as I saw what happened to Isack, my heart felt, I just felt for him," he said, as per Canal+.
"It was just so sad to see. I know how hard it is when these kids are eight 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."
McLaren driver Lando Norris held off reigning world champion Max Verstappen in mixed-conditions to secure a memorable victory at the Albert Park Circuit.
George Russell finished third, while rookie Kimi Antonelli finished fourth following an appeal from Mercedes.
Topics: Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton, Australia
Jack Kenmare