Isack Hadjar has disagreed with part of Max Verstappen's criticism of the 2026 F1 regulations. Hadjar claims the racing action has been good this year.
What happened?
Isack Hadjar, the 21-year-old Red Bull driver, expressed his thoughts on the new regulations, stating that the biggest issue comes during qualifying.
The French driver feels that drivers have to lift and coast to preserve battery, which is a shame. Hadjar believes a race car should reach its top speed at the end of the straight.
Why it matters for Isack Hadjar
Hadjar's comments come after Max Verstappen criticized the dominance of electric power in the new power units. Verstappen also claimed that wheel-to-wheel racing has felt artificial.
But Hadjar thinks the racing on track has been "pretty good". He mentioned that qualifying is the worst part, where drivers have to do lift and coast.
What comes next?
Isack Hadjar is focused on helping the team improve the RB22. He said he has done all he can from his side and is happy with his performance so far.
Hadjar finished eighth in the Chinese GP, despite spinning in the early stages of the race. He reiterated that the team needs to "regroup and do better" following their lack of competitiveness in Shanghai.
The driver's comments were made after the Chinese GP, where Verstappen argued that the 2026 season has seen a pattern where drivers overtake before running out of battery.
On the Chinese GP, Hadjar said he was fortunate to finish in the points. He added that he thinks he's quite happy about his own performance, apart from the mistake he made on Lap 1.
Isack Hadjar will look to continue his good performance in the upcoming races. He will aim to help Red Bull improve their competitiveness and challenge for the top spots.
The 2026 F1 season is still in its early stages, and it will be interesting to see how the teams and drivers adapt to the new regulations. Isack Hadjar's comments provide valuable insight into the thoughts of the drivers and the challenges they face.
As the season progresses, Hadjar will be looking to build on his strong start and help Red Bull achieve their goals. With his skills and experience, he will be a key player in the team's success.
The French driver's performance in the first two race weekends has been impressive, and he will look to continue this form in the upcoming races. With the support of his team, Hadjar will be aiming to challenge for the top spots and make a strong impression in the 2026 F1 season.