Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix was a testament to the unpredictability of racing, with wet weather wreaking havoc before the cars even left the starting grid.
Isack Hadjar, a fresh face from Racing Bulls, faced his first major setback tragically early. During what should have been an uneventful formation lap, he spun out at Turn 2, crashing into the wall. The impact destroyed his rear wing, prematurely ending what was meant to be the start of an exciting career in Formula 1.
Shaken and dejected, the young French rookie made his way back to the paddock, helmet still firmly in place. There, he received a comforting pat on the back from Anthony Hamilton, father of the legendary Lewis Hamilton. It was a gesture rooted in compassion from someone who knows all too well the rollercoaster of emotions this sport can bring.
Unfortunately, the disappointment continued as the race finally kicked off. Jack Doohan, representing Alpine and racing in front of a home crowd, also fell victim to the treacherous conditions. He lost control and crashed into the wall, marking a swift and bitter end to what could have been a triumphant day.
As the drivers tried to cope with the slick surface, the chaos didn’t let up. Last year’s Melbourne winner, Carlos Sainz of Williams, spun out at Turn 14, adding to the early mayhem.
This race was the first serious test of the 2025 cars in wet conditions. Up until race day, all practice runs had been conducted under dry conditions, leaving teams and drivers unprepared for the challenges of a drenched circuit. The result was a dramatic start, where survival seemed the primary concern over competition.
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