Helmut Marko labels Isack Hadjar emotional Australian Grand Prix exit ‘embarrassing’

Photo credits: Getty Images/Red Bull content pool

Helmut Marko slams Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar for crying after exiting his debut Grand Prix on the formation lap.

Hadjar made his Formula One debut in Australia. He made a strong impression at the start of the weekend, being the fastest rookie in both practice sessions. His form continued into qualifying Hadjar, rounding out the session as the best-qualifying rookie, starting the race in 11th, just behind Carlos Sainz’s Williams. 

But his luck quickly changed when he headed into the slippery conditions that plagued Sunday afternoon’s Grand Prix. As the formation lap went underway, Hadjar lost control of his car and hit the Turn 2 barriers, bringing his first Grand Prix to a heartbreaking end.

After the incident, it was announced the start had to be aborted, while the 19 other drivers made their way back to the start of the grid, pictures of an emotional Hadjar emerged on the screen. As the inconsolable 20-year-old made his way back to the paddock, Anthony Hamilton rushed to comfort the young driver. 

Despite the heartbreaking pictures, the show had no pity from Red Bull advisor, Helmut Marko, who stated the emotional scene was ‘a bit embarrassing.’ 

Speaking to the Austrian radio broadcaster ORF, slamming Hadjar for his “tearful show” and adding to his comment that it was “a bit embarrassing,” 

Despite the harmful comments, many key figures in the paddock rushed to support the rookie. With significant names such as F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali visiting the driver and Christian Horner contradicting the advisor, instead providing words of encouragement: 

“It was quite heart-wrenching to see him so gutted,” Horner said. “His first grand prix.

“I think the positives he needs to take out of it, when he reflects on the weekend – he actually performed very well in the practices and the qualifying.

“You forget that these guys are just kids, really. Obviously a lot of emotion for him today, but I think when he strips it back, there’s an awful lot of positives that he can take out of the weekend. He’s got many bright days ahead of him.”

Anthony Hamilton was the first to rush to console the rookie when he headed into the paddocks. After consoling Hadjar, Hamilton revealed what went through his mind when he saw the young driver:

"When I saw it happen, my heart just sank for him," Hamilton said to Sky Sports. 

"Not just for him, for his parents, for everything they've done to work hard to get to this one point, and it's like it's snatched from you.

"I just felt terrible for him, so I thought 'you know what, I need to go and tell this kid keep your head high, walk tall, you're gonna come back'. I think he's a phenomenal driver. I think there's more to come from Isack than we probably have seen this weekend".

Hadjar will get another chance to showcase his abilities during the Chinese Grand Prix, which will take place on March 21-23.