It was meant to be a big moment for Isack Hadjar. The 20-year-old rookie had just impressed during qualifying, securing an impressive 11th place for his debut Formula One race.

But unfortunately, his first outing in a Racing Bulls car at the Australian Grand Prix took a disastrous turn.

The Crash That Ended His Race

The drama unfolded before the race even started. As the formation lap got underway, Hadjar lost control of his car and ended up crashing.

The timing couldn’t have been worse, as the rookie’s hopes of making his debut race were dashed right then and there.

TV cameras captured the disappointing scene, showing a visibly upset Hadjar, head in his hands, as he made his way back to the paddock.

A Touch of Support from Anthony Hamilton

In the midst of his disappointment, Hadjar received an unexpected gesture of support from an unlikely source.

Anthony Hamilton, Lewis Hamilton’s father, spotted the young driver and quickly approached him.

Putting his arm around Hadjar, Anthony offered some words of comfort.

The two were seen talking, with Anthony staying by Hadjar’s side for a bit longer, offering advice and encouragement during the race.

“He told me to keep my head high, be proud, and that I did well yesterday.

It was a nice gesture from him,” Hadjar shared with reporters.

What Went Wrong?

Hadjar explained that the crash happened after one of his tires touched a white painted line, which had become slippery due to standing water from the rainy Melbourne conditions.

“I just lost the rear end of the car,” he said. “In these conditions, the cars snap so fast, and it’s almost unsaveable.

I couldn’t regain grip, no matter how hard I tried.”

Reflecting on the experience, he added, “I knew it was going to be tricky, even on the installation laps to the grid, but it was still driveable.

I’m just sorry for the team and for my close ones watching the race. It’s just embarrassing.”

A Tough Day for Racing Bulls

Unfortunately, the afternoon didn’t get any better for Racing Bulls.

Despite his teammate starting in sixth, the Japanese driver faced his own challenges, ultimately finishing in 12th place after staying out on slick tyres in the rain.

It was a tough day all around for the team, but Hadjar’s spirit and the support he received from those around him showed a glimmer of hope for his future races.