Ralf Schumacher Supports Isack Hadjar After Emotional Debut at Australian Grand Prix

Ralf Schumacher, former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports Germany pundit, has defended Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar following his emotional debut at the Australian Grand Prix. The young racer’s emotions appeared to boil over after a crash during the formation lap, an incident that Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko described as “a bit embarrassing.”

The Pressure and Emotional Response of a Rookie Driver

Schumacher believes that the pressure could have come not only from Hadjar’s own expectations but also from Marko. Speaking on the Formel1.de YouTube channel, Schumacher explained: “I wouldn’t necessarily have cried now, but of course it touches a young man. The first race, a terrific performance up to that point, and then to let the team down like that is of course sad. And then you also get a bit scared, I think especially at Red Bull with the harshness of Dr. Marko.”

Schumacher further added, “I don’t know what’s embarrassing about tears, but well, we know Helmut, and he certainly doesn’t mean it that way.” Hadjar also received support from Anthony Hamilton, father of seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.

Support from Lewis Hamilton’s Father

Hamilton rushed over to console Hadjar after the crash, revealing the reason for his gesture during an interview with Canal+. “The thing is, as soon as I saw what happened to Isack, my heart fell and I just felt for him,” Hamilton said. “It was just so sad to see, because I know how hard it is when these kids are eight years of age and they dream of becoming a Formula 1 race driver. There’s a lot of pressure all the way up, and you’re sitting on the grid for your first race and it doesn’t happen. That’s got to be the worst feeling in the world, and I just felt for him.”

Hamilton continued, “I just wanted to give him a hug. I felt for him like a father.” Hadjar now looks ahead to the second round of the 2025 F1 season with the Chinese Grand Prix set for the end of this week in Shanghai.