F1 News
Hadjar on Marko's 'embarrasing' comment: 'Had him on the phone a day later'
Isack Hadjar's debut race in F1 did not go as planned, with a formation lap crashed extricating him from the Australian Grand Prix, which resulted in tears from the then distraught Racing Bulls' driver, something Helmut Marko reacted to with, as British media translated it, 'embarrasment', which the French Algerian rookie understands was a misinterpration of the Austrian advisor's words.
The Formula 1 community rallied around Hadjar, following his emotional response to the premature end to his first-ever F1 Grand Prix, but also against Marko due to their interpretation's of the Red Bull chief advisor's words, which were wrongly translated, since Marko never said 'embarrasing' at all. His words were "It's a bit painful."
During the Drivers' FIA press conference ahead of the race weekend in China, Hadjar shared his thoughts on Marko's comments. "I found it embarrassing myself," said a now composed Hadjar. As for how the relationship is at the moment with the Austrian 81 year-old: Helmut, "I had him on the phone a day later, and it's all good. I've known him since a few years now. I'm used to... I know how he works."
'Marko's comments interpreted differently by the media'
"Also, another point, I think he said that in a... He was speaking German, he was reinterpreted differently. He didn't know about the body language. I didn't see the footage, so I can't say much."
Furthermore, the Racing Bulls driver is grateful for the F1 community and the fans reaction to the delicate moment Hadjar experienced in Australia. "But apart from that, I see all the love from the fans and the people. I did not expect that at all when I binned it in the wall. So that was nice," said the French Algerian.
Alexander Albon, the former Red Bull Racing talent, who also experienced difficult moments while driving for the Austrian team, was asked for pointers for Hadjar regarding how to navigate the relationship with Dr. Marko. The Thai driver, now racing under Williams' colours kept it short and sweet. "Enjoy it. Enjoy the process," said Albon, before bursting into laughter.
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