Helmut Marko criticized Isack Hadjar's emotional response following a formation lap crash at the Australian Grand Prix that ended his Formula 1 debut before it began.

The Racing Bulls rookie lost control at Turn 2 in wet conditions while attempting to generate tire temperature, hitting the barrier and being unable to start the race. Hadjar was later seen walking through the paddock in tears.

Marko told Austrian broadcaster ORF: "Isack Hadjar did a little bit of crying after his crash. That was a bit embarrassing."

However, the paddock largely disagreed with Marko's assessment. Lewis Hamilton's father Anthony offered support to the young driver, who considers Hamilton his hero.

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

Hadjar explained he was trying to be aggressive with tire warming before his first wet F1 start. He expressed remorse for his team but appreciated Anthony Hamilton's gesture of support, saying: "He knows what tough times are and I think he sees a rookie putting it in the wall on not even lap one, he knows how tough it feels."

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner defended Hadjar's reaction, noting: "It was quite heart-wrenching to see him so gutted in his first grand prix. When he reflects on the weekend, he performed very well through practices and qualifying. These guys are just kids really. He's got many bright days ahead of him."

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