Isack Hadjar crashed on the formation lap in Melbourne (Image: Sky Sports F1)
was fighting back tears during his post-race interviews after crashing his machine on the formation lap of the .
The Frenchman lost control of the rear and spun at Turn Two while accelerating, sending him into the barriers and destroying the rear of his car. Hadjar said nothing on the radio after the shunt and was wiping away tears after climbing out of the cockpit.
On his way into the paddock, the 20-year-old was still teared up, but he received a hug and some words of wisdom from Anthony Hamilton, father of seven-time world champion , who happens to be Hadjar’s idol.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the race about his mistake, Hadjar said: “I just lost the rear end of the car for… I mean, these cars in these conditions just snap so fast. It is unsaveable. I couldn’t get the grip back. I tried to save it, but it was just [impossible].”
He continued: “I knew it was going to be tricky. Even on the installation laps, I was like, ‘This is tricky’, but it was definitely driveable, and yeah… I’m just sorry for the team and my close ones watching the race. It is just embarrassing.”
Going into detail about his chat with Hamilton Snr, Hadjar added: “He told me to keep my head high and be proud and he did say I did well yesterday. But, you know… it was a nice gesture from him.”
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