Hadjar out on formation lap resulting in an aborted start

A crash on the formation lap meant that Isack Hadjar's debut Grand Prix in the Racing Bulls ended before it even began, causing an aborted start and returning every driver back to their starting position.

Heavy rain throughout the day in Melbourne made the Albert Park Circuit extremely greasy and wet, adding an extra dimension to what will be a hugely entertaining opening Grand Prix of the 2025 season.

All the drivers were starting on the intermediate tyres after the heaviest of the rain had moved on from the morning, but it still resulted in a lack of grip and a lot of spray for the drivers to deal with.

For rookie Hadjar, it was the worst possible start on the formation lap. The French-Algerian driver lasted just three corners as he looked to put some heat into the green-walled tyres, but too much acceleration meant he spun his Racing Bulls car around, crashing into the wall, ruining his rear wing and ending his race.

As a result of the formation lap, the start was aborted, bringing all the cars back to the starting grid to wait until the track was cleared. The aborted start also means the Grand Prix in Melbourne will be one lap shorter.

Back in the paddock, a distraught Hadjar walked back to the Racing Bulls hospitality after his crash, clearly emotional after his debut Grand Prix was already done before a lap was completed as he kept his crash helmet on.

The first person to come and console the 20-year-old was the father of Lewis Hamilton, Anthony Hamilton, with the British driver the idol of Hajar himself.

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