The Formula 1 Australian GP ended abruptly for Isack Hadjar. The French driver, making his debut for Red Bull Racing, had to retire on the 12th lap after the Red Bull Powertrains-Ford power unit experienced problems, with smoke coming out of the airbox.
Read more F1: Verstappen criticizes “chaos” in Australia and calls for FIA action
Hadjar stated that from the start of the race he knew he wouldn’t see the checkered flag: “The start was incredible. I started the race without battery, but I got a great getaway and was taking the lead easily, so at least that was a positive point of the day. When I thought I was going to lead, I had no more power. You can imagine, for a few laps, I tried to recover energy. The engine sounded terrible, so I knew I wasn’t going to finish the race. It was a shame. We would have fought at the front with, I think, Lewis (Hamilton),” he said.
Asked if the lack of power was a technical problem, Hadjar explained: “No, it’s not a technical problem. It’s just… we need to improve to prevent this from happening. We couldn’t simulate this during the six days of testing and free practice. Honestly, they are new scenarios. The race scenario is different. But at least it’s a good experience”.
The Frenchman also commented on the difficulty of adapting to the new era F1 engines: “The practice sessions with these new engines are not as demanding as the race, from the formation lap to the start. Temperatures go up and down, so it’s very difficult for the guys,” he added.
Read more F1: Leclerc praises Ferrari performance after P3 in Australia
Despite the short race, Hadjar highlighted the only positive point of the weekend, the battle with rookie Arvid Lindblad from Racing Bulls: “It’s hard to fight with someone who goes 30 km/h faster on the straights. That was my only highlight of the day,” he concluded.
With his first GP for Red Bull Racing completed, Hadjar believes he is adapting well to the team and working with Max Verstappen, despite the frustrating result in Australia.
Read more F1: Hamilton satisfied with learning and result in Melbourne
