Despite a sixth place, frustration dominated for Isack Hadjar after the Hungarian GP. The Frenchman did not spare the flawed RB22 and stated that Red Bull never managed to get the car into the right operating window. His analysis also perfectly matched the criticism Max Verstappen expressed during the weekend. Thus, both Red Bull drivers are heading into the summer break with a feeling of dissatisfaction.
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Hadjar started the race from eighth place and managed to work his way up to P6, while Verstappen surprisingly finished second. Yet the young Frenchman was far from satisfied with the car’s behavior. “Finding the right setup and making the car somewhat manageable was impossible all weekend,” he responded frustratedly. “On paper, I was confident this was a circuit that would suit us well, but in the end, we just couldn’t get the car working.” Already after qualifying, Hadjar sharply criticized Red Bull. According to him, the team seemed to have made ‘zero progress’ with the package after three free practice sessions.
According to the 21-year-old Parisian, the problem was not only in the setup. Asked about the biggest shortcomings of the RB22, he responded with a sarcastic jab at the team. “Surprisingly, downshifting this weekend was terrible. That’s a big step backward for us as a team. That’s very nice.” Where does the cause of the problems lie? “Well, I think it’s just a lack of grip,” he sighed.
Verstappen and Hadjar in the same boat
Still, one aspect gave him some reassurance: Verstappen also struggled with the same problems. “Yes, let’s say that is somewhat reassuring,” he admitted. “Otherwise, I would have had to question myself. So that’s good news. I think it also shows why the difference in qualifying is always so small,” he noted.
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Hadjar has regularly stayed close to Verstappen this season and has even beaten the four-time world champion three times in qualifying. This forms a stark contrast with Verstappen’s previous teammates, who all paled next to the multiple world champion. “After that first stint, I just want answers,” the Frenchman concluded disappointedly. “That’s what really frustrates me. Besides that, I did everything right this weekend.”
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