Isack Hadjar Receives Grid Penalty Amid Qualifying Controversy at F1 Canadian GP
Isack Hadjar has incurred a three-place grid penalty for the upcoming Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix after a communication breakdown with his Racing Bulls team led to the rookie impeding Carlos Sainz during qualifying.
Hadjar’s Plea of Innocence
During Saturday’s qualifying session, Hadjar was on an in-lap when he inadvertently blocked Sainz, who was on a hot lap approaching Turn 6. Sainz, unable to complete his lap, expressed his frustration via team radio after finishing in 17th place. The stewards later reviewed the incident, confirming Hadjar’s claims of miscommunication from his team regarding Sainz’s track status.
Before the announcement of his grid drop, Hadjar defended himself, stating, “I never impede anyone, not even in practice. I got told Carlos had aborted his lap, and in fact, he was still pushing… it ruins his qualifying. And probably a bit mine.” This statement highlighted the confusion that led to the costly error for both drivers.
Stewards’ Decision
The stewards’ report detailed their investigation, which included testimonies from both drivers, team representatives, and a review of various data sources. The report concluded that, while Hadjar attempted to yield space for Sainz, it was too late. His reliance on flawed team communication ultimately led to his reprimand, resulting in a penalty that will see him start the race from 12th position.
Carlos Sainz will benefit somewhat from Hadjar’s penalty, moving up to 16th on the grid after fellow competitor Yuki Tsunoda received a separate 10-place grid penalty for a red flag infringement during Friday’s practice session.
As F1 heads into the Canadian Grand Prix, the incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of clear communication within teams. With Hadjar’s performance impacted by this penalty, fans will be eager to see how both he and Sainz manage their recoveries on race day.