Lewis Hamilton’s Father Comforts Distraught Rookie After…read more.
The opening race of the 2025 Formula 1 season in Melbourne brought intense excitement but also heartbreak for some drivers, especially rookie Isack Hadjar. The young Racing Bulls driver saw his F1 debut come to a devastating end before even completing a single lap. Overwhelmed with disappointment, Hadjar was visibly emotional as he stepped out of his wrecked car. But in a heartwarming moment, Anthony Hamilton, the father of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, stepped in to console the devastated young driver.
A Nightmare Start for Hadjar
The Australian Grand Prix kicked off under tricky wet conditions, and chaos unfolded almost immediately. Three drivers—Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and rookies Isack Hadjar and Jack Doohan—were caught out by the treacherous track before even finishing the first lap. For Hadjar, in particular, the moment was crushing. This was supposed to be the most important race of his young career, a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage. Instead, his dream debut turned into a nightmare as his car spun out, leaving him stranded and heartbroken.
As soon as Hadjar climbed out of his car, the disappointment was clear. The 20-year-old Frenchman placed his head in his hands, seemingly in disbelief at what had just happened. It was a devastating blow for a driver who had fought hard to reach Formula 1 and was eager to make a strong impression.
Anthony Hamilton’s Touching Gesture
As Hadjar made his way back to the paddock, his emotions were still raw. But in a moment that highlighted the camaraderie within the F1 community, Anthony Hamilton approached him. Instead of letting the young driver dwell in despair, Hamilton Sr. embraced Hadjar and offered comforting words, showing that he understood exactly what the rookie was going through.
Hadjar later revealed to the media how much that small act of kindness meant to him.
“Just to keep my head high and tell myself I did well yesterday,” Hadjar recalled Hamilton saying.
Hadjar, who had shown impressive pace in qualifying, was deeply moved by the gesture. “It means a lot, knowing that he knew who I was, how bad I felt, to go and see me in the worst moment ever was a nice gesture from him, and I really appreciate that,” he said.
A Special Connection to the Hamilton Family
Hadjar’s admiration for Lewis Hamilton has been no secret. Before making his F1 debut, the young driver openly named Hamilton as the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time and expressed his admiration for the Mercedes star. To receive encouragement from Hamilton’s father, someone who has played a pivotal role in shaping his son’s legendary career, was undoubtedly a special moment for the Frenchman.
Anthony Hamilton has always been known for his fatherly presence in the paddock, offering guidance not only to his son but also to other young drivers trying to make their mark. His words of support to Hadjar showed once again why he is such a respected figure in the sport.
A Tough Lesson, But a Bright Future
Despite the heartbreak of his debut race ending in disaster, Hadjar can take solace in the fact that every great driver has faced adversity. Lewis Hamilton himself had his share of difficult moments early in his career, as have many F1 legends. The key is learning from these experiences and coming back stronger.
Hadjar showed promise in qualifying, proving he has the talent to compete at the highest level. With the right mindset and support, he has plenty of time to establish himself as a strong force in Formula 1. If anything, this setback might serve as the motivation he needs to push harder and come back stronger in the next race.
The Australian Grand Prix may not have gone as planned for Hadjar, but thanks to the kindness of Anthony Hamilton, the young driver will remember more than just the heartbreak of his early exit. Instead, he will also carry with him a moment of encouragement from one of the sport’s most respected figures—a reminder that failure is just a stepping stone on the path to success.
