Isack Hadjar has revealed he received a message from Lewis Hamilton after his debut F1 grand prix ended on the formation lap in Australia. Hadjar's highly anticipated maiden race came to an early end in Melbourne, with the 20-year-old failing to take part in a single lap of the race. The Frenchman lost control of his car in wet conditions and spun into the barrier at the opening corner, bringing the excitement of his first F1 race to an abrupt end. He was visibly upset as he clambered out of the car and returned to the paddock, where he was consoled by Hamilton's father Anthony. “He said it reminded him of Lewis parking the car at pit entry in Shanghai,” Hadjar reflected to media including RacingNews365 . “It was a nice moment, sharing time with someone like Anthony as well - obviously, the dad of my idol.” Hadjar added that seven-time champion Hamilton also sent him a personal message after the grand prix. “So that was quite a special moment. And indeed, Lewis sent me a message later that day. Really classy guys.”
Hamilton highlights importance of Hadjar contact
Hamilton endured his own difficulties during the Australian Grand Prix in his first appearance for Ferrari. However, the 40-year-old acknowledged it was important to reach out to Hadjar and offer support as he felt empathy for the rookie. “I’d spoken to him just before on the drivers’ parade, he’s such a nice lad,” Hamilton said. “I just said to him, make sure you enjoyed the race and not to put too much pressure on yourself. “And I said, ‘Take a picture, because it’s my first race with Ferrari and your first race,’ so he took a selfie. “Then obviously [he] had the off on the formation lap, which I knew would be tough. I’ve been there, I know how painful it is. “In those moments, you feel like you’re not only disappointed in yourself but you feel all eyes are on you, and everyone is judging you. “It’s important I think in those moments you have people you can talk to. So that was really what it was about.”
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