Hadjar points out Doohan's rough defense: "A bit useless on his part"

From this weekend, Isack Hadjar will especially remember that he managed to bounce back perfectly a week after the Australian disappointment. With his head on his shoulders, the Racing Bulls driver achieved his first Q3 with the 7th fastest time, also ahead of his teammate. Yuki tsunoda, and showed some nice things overall.

Unfortunately, not everything came together in the race. While the start was nevertheless good, the French team was trapped by the strategy implemented by its pit wall. The team's strategists Faenza did not want to take any risks as fears about tire wear reigned in the paddock and thus opted for two stops. It was also the only team to stop its drivers twice in the Grand Prix.

« I didn't think it was so obvious that the one-stop strategy was ultimately the fastest, he replied, astonished, to the microphone of Canal +. But other than that, I'm honestly happy except for the first lap. I had a great start, the takeoff was excellent. I think I ended up next to Charles. (Leclerc) at the first corner. After that… It's a track where everything depends on what's happening in front of you. Yuki (Tsunoda) was very aggressive and managed to take the position.

Beyond that, I had a very good race. I was always faster than the cars in front of me. At one point, I was even threatening Antonelli. I'm happy with my race. »

Trapped and therefore pushed out of the points battle, Isack Hadjar experienced a lively end to the Grand Prix when he found himself battling with Jack Doohan. Fighting to maintain his 14th position, the Australian didn't hesitate to be tough when it came to defending. A little too tough, in fact, as he forced the Parisian to visit the outside of the track, resulting in a 10-second penalty and 2 points on his license.

« Nothing shocking, he summarized. I didn't know we were out of the points at that point. I thought it was understandable, that we were fighting for a good position, but not at all in reality. So it was a bit pointless on his part. »

🚨💥 New error from Jack Doohan that took the track to Isack Hadjar. pic.twitter.com/jO5NFr0Yf1

— 9zJoako F1 💜 (@9zJ0kk4nn) March 23, 2025

Although his weekend ended with a 14th position, Isack Hadjar is nonetheless happy with his overall performance. I rode very well,” he smiled. A good omen for Japan in 15 days.

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