Put yourself in the shoes, or rather the racecar, of 20-year-old Issack Hadjar. He strived his whole life to become a Formula 1 driver, finally to race alongside his childhood hero, Sir Lewis Hamilton. This Gen Z Frenchman is one of six rookies joining the Formula 1 roster this season, the largest rookie intake since 2010.
The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne promised an exciting race full of new faces and timelessly beloved champions. Formula 1 commentator, David Croft defines his expectations for the race, “Slippery conditions, six rookies… there’s one word that springs to mind, and that’s kerfuffle,” he said.
Rain spattered the asphalt and the muggy air surrounded the crowds. Fans donned ponchos of their team’s colors and buzzed with excitement for the start of the 2025 season. World champions such as Sir Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen as well as the 14 other returning racers were expected to dominate the grid. Anthony Hamilton, Hamilton’s Father, said, “I’m wishing all the rookies and all the other drivers the best of luck today, everybody needs to finish the race.” The racers entered their cars and waited at the starting line.
The minute hand approached 12 on the top of the rolex clock as a mist of drizzle hung over the track. The starting lights go out and the racers take off, engines growling with acceleration. On the formation lap, drivers are only scoping out the track and warming up their tires – the one last chance to get a feel for the track.
Hadjar took off, racing alongside fellow talented drivers. But, not for long. On the second turn of the formation lap, his car spun out of control, hitting the wall. Thanks to the brilliant advancements in safety technology, and the relatively slow speed Hadjar was going, he was physically fine. However, the rear wing of his car was damaged, rendering him unable to complete his first race.
Once off the track, he kept his helmet on to seemingly hide his sadness. He trudged back to his team unit, too wrapped up in his own head to be aware of his path. Croft adds, “That’s just the worst possible way to make your entry into Formula 1.”
Distraught, he walks and ignores team crew members as they surround him, keeping his hand in the visor of his helmet wiping away tears. Suddenly Anthony Hamilton crosses Hadjar’s path and embraces the young driver, consoling him. His years of experience encouraging his son were now being used on a driver half his son’s age. His emotional wisdom helped Hadjar keep his chin up. His unconditional support was juxtaposed by Hadjar’s own team advisor who called his reaction “embarrassing.” By allowing Hadjar to be vulnerable, Hamilton brought a new level of humanity into the pinnacle of motorsport.
It is far from over for Hadjar; however, with 23 grand prix races left in the season, he can only improve. With the help of his fans, teammates, and unexpected supporters, he will surely hold his head high and face the next race with a smile on his face. The next race will be held in Shanghai.
“It’s one track I’ve been, since I was a kid, playing on PS3, PS4, with the controller, so I know the track well, even though I’ve never driven here. I’m quite excited about it,” Hadjar said.
