Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Hadjar Faces Setback During Red Bull Tokyo Demo Run Ahead of Japanese Grand Prix
Formula 1 hopeful Isack Hadjar experienced an unfortunate incident during a Red Bull demonstration event in Tokyo, just days before the Japanese Grand Prix. The young driver, part of the Red Bull junior program, encountered difficulties during the promotional run in the city. This episode occurs after a challenging start to his nascent F1 journey, marked by a debut race in Australia marred by an early exit.
Melbourne Misadventure and Chinese Rebound
In Melbourne, during the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Hadjar’s debut was notably brief. He lost control of his vehicle on the formation lap itself at the first corner, resulting in rear-end instability and collision with the barrier.
Visibly upset after exiting his car, Hadjar’s emotional reaction, captured by television cameras, drew criticism from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who described it as an ’embarrassing, tearful show’. However, the subsequent week saw a turnaround for the 20-year-old at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Improved Performance in Shanghai
At the Shanghai circuit, Hadjar demonstrated improved form, securing a seventh-place grid position in qualifying. He outpaced his Racing Bulls teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, by half a second. While his race pace remained competitive, a less than optimal strategy from the team resulted in a finish outside the points-scoring positions.
Tokyo Demo Run Incident
Just as his performance trajectory seemed upwards, Hadjar faced another setback during a special promotional event in Tokyo on Wednesday. Red Bull and Racing Bulls drivers participated in a demonstration run on city streets for Japanese fans.
The temporary street circuit included a tight hairpin turn, which proved problematic for Hadjar during his run. Upon entering the corner, his car rotated prematurely, making contact with the kerb. Despite the low speed, the impact caused damage to the front wing of the vehicle.
This incident was an inauspicious prelude to the Japanese Grand Prix weekend. Nevertheless, Hadjar has an opportunity to regain momentum and aims to remain in Red Bull’s favor by maintaining track discipline and avoiding further incidents at Suzuka.
Marko’s Prior Praise and Team Changes
Following his improved performance in China, Hadjar had received commendation from Helmut Marko. Marko acknowledged Hadjar’s recovery from the Melbourne setback, stating he had been surprisingly quick in qualifying in Australia.
Marko further commented, “He would have undoubtedly secured his first points in China if not for the flawed strategy. For me, Isack is among the positive surprises of the season’s initial phase. Despite his unfamiliarity with the Shanghai circuit, he performed at a comparable level to Yuki, which I find particularly impressive.”
Heading into the Japanese Grand Prix, Hadjar will have a new teammate. Liam Lawson rejoins Racing Bulls, returning after a brief two-race stint at Red Bull. Lawson’s recent replacement at the senior team is understood to have caused discontent within the team, including within Max Verstappen’s camp.