Isack Hadjar does not expect the recent Red Bull updates to bring a big improvement this weekend in Miami right away. The Frenchman sees the development as progress but emphasizes that they will not solve all problems at once. “I do not expect to fight for the podium this weekend,” said Hadjar.
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Isack Hadjar indicates that Red Bull is making progress with the updates for the Miami Grand Prix, but other teams have not stood still either. Therefore, it remains difficult to estimate exactly how the standings are, according to him. At the moment, the Austrian team is sixth in the constructors’ championship, behind Alpine and Haas. “Of course, we are not the only team with updates. We are clearly bringing something much stronger, we think, but I don’t think it will solve all our problems,” the Frenchman says in the paddock.
‘Have to fight hard’
Hadjar hopes the updates will help to compete for pole position, something that proved difficult earlier this season. However, he does not yet expect a podium in the Sunshine State. “I hope we can get into Q3 a bit more smoothly because so far we have had to fight very hard to achieve that. Like the other guys, I haven’t raced for five weeks either, so with only one session before the sprint qualifying, it will feel quite unfamiliar at first. I do not expect to fight for the podium this weekend,” Hadjar states.
Due to the long break, the 21-year-old driver also notices that the hunger for racing has remained strong, although he expects a difficult restart to the season. “I think just the fact that I have been away from the circuit for five weeks is already giving me quite a few butterflies. I am eager to be able to drive. Besides that, I might miss the competitive aspect even more. I just want to get back to work. This long wait is enough to get me into that mindset and try to race again,” Hadjar emphasizes.
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‘Big speed differences’
Besides the updates, the weather also plays a role in Miami. Rain and possible thunderstorms can significantly affect conditions, which can especially cause extra uncertainty during the race. “From a safety point of view, it is important that we do not see big speed differences when it is raining heavily and visibility is poor. With the implemented changes, everything should be fine,” Hadjar concludes.
Still, he also sees a positive element in a possible rain race, which can shake up the field considerably. “Of course, it is not ideal to have your first race in the rain right away. You would rather get some feeling first, maybe also in qualifying. With immediate rain, it will be fun,” the Red Bull driver concluded.
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