Key Highlights
- Isack Hadjar endured a frustrating race in Malaysia, slipping from a podium position to fifth place following late battery deployment and chassis grip issues.
- Despite Red Bull securing its first victory of the season with Max Verstappen, Hadjar was an average of 0.881 seconds per lap slower than his teammate under green-flag running.
- Red Bull gained valuable points in the constructors’ championship battle, trimming the deficit to McLaren for third place down to 18 points.
Isack Hadjar Laments Missed Podium Opportunity
Red Bull Formula 1 driver Isack Hadjar voiced deep frustration after a puzzling drop in pace relegated him to fifth place during a challenging race in Malaysia. Having started from eighth on the grid as a result of an engine penalty, Hadjar’s Sunday was complicated before the lights even went out when an excursion through the gravel marked his initial formation lap on a damp circuit.
Once the Grand Prix commenced following delays caused by software issues, the French driver showcased sharp racecraft on intermediate tyres. He quickly advanced through the order, overtaking Liam Lawson for fourth place on lap six. Hadjar managed to defend that position despite sustained pressure from Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton through the latter third of the race distance. When George Russell retired on lap 50, Hadjar found himself promoted to third position, putting a podium finish within reach.
Chassis Woes and Sudden Battery Deficit
Hadjar’s grasp on third unravelled during the four-lap sprint that followed the race’s final safety car period. The Red Bull driver proved unable to resist the charging Ferraris, dropping places rapidly and finishing nearly four seconds adrift of Lewis Hamilton by the time the chequered flag fell.
No pace,
the Red Bull driver rued. Something was wrong, because… I can’t possibly be a second a lap slower now. Even compared to the Mercedes, you know? The whole weekend we were quicker. And now, in the race, we’re absolutely nowhere. The car was horrible to drive.
He expanded on the technical troubles during the crucial restart phase: Just the last couple of laps, I don’t know how we ended up having no battery. So, in the straights, I can’t defend against the Ferraris, so we lose the podium on something so stupid.
Performance metrics highlighted Hadjar’s struggle, as he lost an average of 0.881 seconds per lap to race-winning teammate Max Verstappen across a 30-lap spell of green-flag conditions. Clarifying that the struggles were not related to power unit degradation or fundamental engine output, Hadjar laid the blame squarely on handling and a momentary lack of electrical energy:
No, on the chassis side. Power unit was fine, it’s just the first two laps of the restart, I don’t know why we were so down on battery. Then it stabilised itself and then I was fast again. Otherwise, I would have kept third.
I don’t know, just the grip. Even behind the safety car, I was feeling that I had no grip and it was going to be a tough restart for me. It felt like I was always on the same tyres. I came back on the run-one compound, so… It’s a joke.
The whole weekend, I was pretty fast, so… We need to fix the issue, come back in Singapore and do better.
Why This Matters
While Max Verstappen claimed Red Bull’s first Grand Prix win of the campaign, Hadjar was unable to share in the celebration, saying: Yeah, but you know, it’s not a good day for me,
before adding, I’m happy for the boys, but it’s a disaster for me.
Despite the individual disappointment, Hadjar’s 10-point haul for fifth place combined with Verstappen’s 25 points significantly bolstered Red Bull’s position in the constructors’ standings. Over the span of just two rounds, Red Bull has slashed McLaren’s buffer for third place in the championship from 76 points down to 18 points, setting up high stakes for the team heading into the next race in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Isack Hadjar lose third place in the final laps?
Hadjar suffered from severe grip deficits on the restart alongside a sudden loss of battery power on the straights, leaving him unable to defend against the Ferraris in the four-lap dash after the final safety car.
How does the result affect Red Bull’s standing in the championship?
Combined with Max Verstappen’s victory, Hadjar’s fifth-place finish brought Red Bull within 18 points of McLaren in the battle for third place in the constructors’ championship, down from a 76-point gap two races prior.
Where is Red Bull racing next?
The team will look to address Hadjar’s handling and electrical issues ahead of the upcoming round in Singapore.
