Hadjar Crash & Red Bull Rain Decision – F1 Analysis

While the first day of the shakedown in Barcelona was a very productive one for Isack Hadjar with 107 laps completed, the second day proved to be a lot more difficult. Max Verstappen made his first meters with the RB22 in the morning. The four-time world champion had a small moment in Turn 5 in the morning, but was able to continue his way. With aero racks on the car he completed 27 laps. After noon Hadjar took over the wheel. He went around 51 times, but ended up in a minor key due to a slider.

Why did Red Bull decide to drive in the rain?

“Today the weather made it a lot more difficult,” Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies reflects. “Max rode in the morning. We were able to do one dry run before the rain came, but that’s all part of it.” That said, most Formula 1 teams decided not to run for exactly that reason. Only Ferrari and Red Bull Racing were on the asphalt on Tuesday. McLaren actually also wanted to kick off with the MCL40, but decided to wait until Wednesday due to the weather conditions.

It logically raises the question why Red Bull did not do that. “Well, we thought that under these new regulations it would also be interesting to drive in the rain,” Mekies explains. “Besides, everything is completely new and we had a lot of work to do.” He indicates that these first days we will focus purely on the basics: how the car works and how all systems work. This can, in principle, be done in all weather conditions – as Charles Leclerc has also explained – as it concerns the very basics.

“We did those things and then it was Isack’s turn again in the afternoon. Unfortunately, he didn’t get a chance on dry tires, although he was able to learn a lot in the rain. Unfortunately, it didn’t end in the desired way, but the most important thing is that Isack is okay,” Mekies continues. “Now we will do our best to repair the car and be ready for what is yet to come.”

The Frenchman slid off in the final corner in the final corner of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the result of which – a car in the track barrier – could be seen on some videos of fans on hills around the track. “It was very treacherous this afternoon, so it’s a shame that it ended like that. But hey, that’s part of the game. This problem came after a very positive day yesterday, both in terms of the number of laps Isack was able to complete as well as his development and his feedback to the engineers.”

Verstappen has another full day in action

“It’s still early days, but the energy in the team is certainly good. Max and Isack are motivated and the team can’t wait for the next chance to drive again. We have to analyze this crash further and hopefully we will get answers a little later,” concludes the French team boss.

Because each team is allowed to drive three out of five days during the shakedown, Red Bull still has one day ahead of it. Verstappen will be fully responsible for that day, expectedly on Thursday or Friday.