Isack Hadjar did not hold back criticism of Red Bull after the Formula 1 Hungarian GP last Sunday (26). Even finishing the race in sixth place and seeing teammate Max Verstappen take second, the Frenchman mocked the car’s performance and said the team took “a big step backwards.”
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Despite the good individual performance, the Frenchman said the team was unable to find the ideal setup for the RB22 throughout the weekend at the Hungaroring: “We couldn’t do it. Finding a sweet spot and having something drivable for me was not possible throughout the weekend. On paper, I was confident it was a track that would favor us, but it simply didn’t come to life.”
Commenting on the main problems of the car, Hadjar highlighted difficulties with downshifting, a point that also generated complaints from Verstappen throughout the season. “Surprisingly, the downshifting this weekend was terrible. So that is a big step backwards for us as a team. So that’s very cool. I think it’s just… yes, grip.”
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The Frenchman also said he was relieved to realize that his difficulties with the RB22 were similar to Verstappen’s: “Yes, which is reassuring, let’s say. Otherwise, I would be asking myself questions. So that’s good news. I think it also shows why the difference in qualifying is always so small.”
Verstappen managed a surprising second place in Hungary but also made it clear that Red Bull is still far from ideal. The Dutchman said he did not understand how he had reached the podium and said the car’s behavior remained practically the same throughout the weekend, describing the race as one of the most difficult of the year in terms of car balance.
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