Isack Hadjar defended comments on his actions from Red Bull Advisor Helmut Marco after Formula 1 rookie crashed from Australia’s Grand Prix.
Speaking to Melbourne’s Austrian broadcaster ORF, Marco said, “Isack Hadjar cried a little after the crash. It was a bit embarrassing.”
The comments were outstanding as Hadjar received widespread support after crashing on his Formula 1 debut formation lap, but ahead of China’s Grand Prix this weekend, the Racing Bulls driver says he has had a good relationship with Marko and has been talking to him ever since.
“I felt embarrassed about myself,” Hadger said. “And Helmut, I had him on the phone a day later, and it’s all good. I’ve known him for a few years now, I know how he works.
“Another point, I think he said he spoke German. He was reinterpreted differently. You don’t know about body language. I couldn’t because I didn’t see the footage.
“But apart from that, I see all the love from the fans and people. When I binned it on the wall, I didn’t expect it at all. That was good.”
Hajar revealed he also received support from Lewis Hamilton after the incident on Sunday, comforted by then-Hamilton’s father Anthony.
“It reminded me that Lewis actually parks his car at a pit entry in Shanghai. It was a great moment and I shared time with someone like Anthony, obviously my idol’s father,” Hajar said. “It was a very special moment. In fact, Lewis sent me a message later that day. They’re really classy people.”
Despite his focus on his errors and reactions, Hajar says he was able to move quickly with the knowledge that there was another race in Shanghai to concentrate this weekend.
“I felt pretty good already on Monday, especially since I knew it was a back-to-back weekend.