Isack Hadjar Miami GP disqualification
“We made a mistake and we respect the decision of the stewards,” said Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies, following Isack Hadjar’s disqualification from the qualifying session at the Miami Grand Prix.
The FIA confirmed that Hadjar’s car violated technical regulations, specifically regarding the floorboards, which were found to protrude 2mm outside the permitted reference volume. This breach led to his disqualification despite having qualified in ninth position.
Hadjar had advanced to Q3 during qualifying, showcasing potential that was abruptly halted by the stewards’ decision. The investigation revealed that portions of both the left-hand side and right-hand side floorboards were non-compliant with FIA regulations.
Key facts:
- Hadjar’s disqualification means he will start from the pit lane after adjustments to his power unit.
- Red Bull Racing accepted the findings regarding the legality of Hadjar’s car.
- The usual penalty for such violations is disqualification from qualifying and starting from the pit lane.
Mekies offered an apology for this oversight, emphasizing that no performance advantage was intended through these modifications. The Red Bull team faces scrutiny as they navigate this setback in their racing strategy.
The Miami International Autodrome has seen its share of drama in Formula 1, but this incident adds another layer to an already intense season. As teams prepare for future races, they must remain vigilant about compliance with FIA regulations.
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
