Last Updated on March 16 2025, 9:21 am

Helmut Marko slams Hadjar’s emotional outburst after formation lap crash in Australia – The opening race of the 2025 Formula One season had not yet begun, but for Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar, the dream of a successful debut in Melbourne turned into a nightmare before he had even taken his place on the grid. In heartbreaking scenes at Albert Park, the young Frenchman lost control of his car during the formation lap, crashing into the barriers at Turn 2. Overwhelmed with emotion, he stood by the side of the track in tears, evoking memories of Mika Hakkinen’s famous retirement crash at Monza in 1999.

But while many sympathised with Hadjar’s ordeal, not everyone was so understanding. Red Bull’s notoriously ruthless motorsport consultant, Helmut Marko, showed little patience for the young driver’s visible despair. Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ORF, Marko dismissed Hadjar’s reaction out of hand, grinning as he remarked: “That was a bit embarrassing.”

 

 

 

Hadjar embarrassed but comforted by unexpected support

Hadjar himself seemed to share some of Marko’s sentiments, later admitting to Sky that his walk back to the pits felt like “a walk of shame”. But amid the disappointment, the 20-year-old found solace from an unlikely source – Anthony Hamilton, father of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

“It meant a lot to me,” Hadjar revealed. “He knew exactly how I was feeling, how depressed I was, and he came to me at my worst moment.”

Hamilton Sr comforted the devastated rookie with words of encouragement, telling him to keep his head up and be proud of what he had achieved so far. “He told me to keep my head up and be proud of myself, I did well yesterday. That was encouraging.”

Hadjar was also encouraged by the support of Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali and his own Racing Bulls team. “Stefano came into my room and said similar things to what Anthony told me. It’s nice to see that I’m getting that support from the team. It means a lot to me.

Piastri vote of confidence not what it seemed

 

 

Sky F1 reporter says Sergio Perez is “laughing”

 

 

 

Bayer defends his rookie: “It can happen to anyone”

While Hadjar was overcome with embarrassment, Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer was quick to defend his driver, emphasizing that the tricky conditions played a significant role in the mistake. “It can happen to anyone in these conditions,” insisted Bayer. “One small, minimal mistake and it’s over.”

His point was borne out when several other rookies suffered a similar fate in the race itself. Jack Doohan, Gabriel Bortoleto and Liam Lawson all crashed in the same corner where Hadjar lost control, proving just how treacherous the track conditions were.

Even seasoned veterans like Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso struggled, with both Spaniards involved in incidents during the race.

How Norris beat Piastri

 

 

 

Hadjar apologises: “I’m just ashamed”

Despite the difficult conditions, Hadjar refused to take solace in the fact that other drivers faced similar problems. “That’s no comfort at all,” he admitted. Instead, he turned his frustration inwards and blamed himself for the mistake.

“I would say that my approach was not the right one. Of course, we all know that difficult conditions can affect anyone. But I didn’t think it would affect me so early on,” confessed Hadjar. “I’m just ashamed and I feel so sorry for the team.”

Bayer, however, offered further insight into what may have contributed to Hadjar’s misfortune. The Racing Bulls team boss revealed that the slippery patches on the track had been a topic of discussion at the drivers’ meeting prior to the race weekend.

“It was even discussed at the drivers’ meeting,” said Bayer. “I think Lewis brought it up, or Max, I can’t remember, that these lines aren’t helpful. Especially in the area where it can get slippery when it gets wet. And yes, that was probably his downfall.”

McLaren boss concerned despite 1-2 in qualifying

 

 

 

Hadjar: “I have a strong chin – but this really hits me”

Reflecting on the crash, Hadjar gave a detailed explanation of what went wrong. “I just overbraked the rear wheels. And when I lost the car, I tried to save it – but I was just a passenger. It happened so fast that I didn’t expect it.

The former Formula 2 runner-up was particularly devastated by the timing of the accident. “Damaging the car so early in the season really breaks my heart,” he admitted.

Hadjar was also aware of the impact the mistake could have on his development as a rookie. “I’m losing valuable experience – my first Grand Prix weekend, and on a wet track no less”.

The incident was an emotional blow for the young driver, who acknowledged just how much he had fought to reach Formula 1. “I’ve had similar lows before, but this one is particularly tough. My road to F1 hasn’t been easy, it’s been pretty brutal. I’d say I have a strong chin – but this really hits me.

Sky F1 reporter says Sergio Perez is “laughing”

 

 

 

Bayer offers a silver lining: “We have another race next week”

As difficult as the moment was for Hadjar, his team boss Bayer tried to lift his spirits by reminding him that he would have another opportunity soon. “Thank God we have another race for him next week,” said Bayer.

The thought seemed to provide the rookie with at least a modicum of optimism. “I’m really looking forward to Shanghai,” admitted Hadjar. “I think the speed is there, so I can’t wait to get back on track next week.

A fresh start in China could be just what Hadjar needs to put the Melbourne heartbreak behind him and prove to Marko – and the rest of the paddock – that he has what it takes to succeed in Formula One.

Marko delivers verdict with Lawson

 

 

 

 

MORE F1 NEWS – McLaren boss concerned despite 1-2 in qualifying

The speculation over which team is quickest at the start of 2025 is now finished as Formula One finally ran its first competitive on track session with qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix. As most F1 analysts predicted McLaren were the class of the field claiming a 1-2 grid start with Lando Norris on pole just 0.084s ahead of his Australian team mate.

Yet after the first runs in qualifying three, Piastri and Norris had it all to do with Max Verstappen ominously leading the way. Yet the McLaren pair who ran early for their final push lap in the session, corrected their errors from the first runs and stormed to the head of the field where they remained as the chequered flag fell to end the session.

Verstappen made an error at turn 11 losing a couple of tenths which would have put him in the McLaren mix, and given his new team mate couldn’t even make it out of the first qualifying session, his value to Red Bull was once again front and centre…. READ MORE ON THIS STORY