Isack Hadjar Calls F1 Debut Crash a “Punch in the Face”

Formula 1, Sportrik Media – Isack Hadjar has described his formation lap crash at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix as a “punch in the face”, but insists the moment ultimately strengthened his mental resilience during his rookie season.

Hadjar was promoted to Racing Bulls after narrowly missing out on the Formula 2 title, but his Melbourne debut ended before the race even started when he spun into the barriers on the formation lap in wet conditions, forcing him to miss the Australian Grand Prix.

Despite the setback, Hadjar recovered to enjoy a highly competitive rookie campaign, highlighted by a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix. The result confirmed his status as one of the most promising young drivers on the grid.

Asked whether such a low point early in his career could be seen as a positive, Hadjar acknowledged that he could have scored points in Melbourne, but instead chose to view the incident as part of his personal journey.

“Everything happens for a reason and you move on,” Hadjar said. “It is part of my history. My first F1 start. I did not take part in it, which is frustrating, but that is how it is.”

His strong performances throughout the season earned him a promotion to Red Bull Racing for the 2026 campaign, where he will line up alongside four time world champion Max Verstappen.

Looking ahead to his next challenge, Hadjar pointed to the painful Melbourne moment as proof of his ability to recover from adversity. “It was a big punch in the face, but I handled it very well. It reinforced the belief I have in myself,” he concluded, as he prepares for the next phase of his career at https://sportrik.com/en.