Helmut Marco describes Isack Hadjar’s reaction to crashing on the Australian Grand Prix formation lap as “a bit embarrassing.”
Hadjar lost control on Turn 2 in wet state when he produced tire temperature on his way to the grid, crashing into a barrier and not beginning the start of his debut race. The Racing Bulls driver was portrayed as he walked through the paddock in tears and returned to his team, distraught by his error.
“Isack Hadjar cried a little after the crash,” he told Austrian broadcaster ORF. “That was a bit embarrassing.”
However, after Lewis Hamilton’s father Anthony stopped the rookie, Marco’s comments were not reciprocated by the majority of Paddocks – stopping the rookie who didn’t keep the fact that Hamilton was his hero.
“When I saw it happen, my heart just sank for him,” Hamilton told Sky Sports. “It seems to be snatched from you not only for him, but for your parents, for everything they did to work hard to reach this one point.
“I felt bad for him and I thought, ‘What do you know, this kid will keep your head high and you’ll come back.’
Hadger himself explained that the incident was caused by trying to make the tires aggressive in a way that warmed up before the wet first race in Formula 1 began, saying he felt bad for the car’s crew but appreciated the gestures from Anthony Hamilton.
“I just keep my head high (Hamilton said),” Hajar said. “I think he knows tough times, I don’t think he’s putting it on the wall.
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner was another to support Haddger’s reaction to the crash despite the seriousness of his error dominating him before he started with the race.
“It was very heartbreaking to see him so broken at his first Grand Prix,” Horner said. “I think he needs to get rid of it when he looks back on the weekend.
“These people have forgotten that it’s really a lot of emotions for him, but when he gets it back, I think he’ll have a lot of bright days before him.”