“We made a mistake and we respect the decision of the stewards,” said Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies, reflecting on Isack Hadjar’s disqualification from qualifying at the Miami Grand Prix.
Hadjar’s disqualification stemmed from a breach of technical regulations, specifically that portions of his car’s floorboards protruded 2mm outside the permitted reference volume. This violation led to his initial ninth-place qualifying position being nullified.
The incident unfolded during the qualifying session at the Miami International Autodrome, where Hadjar had advanced to Q3. Following an investigation by the FIA stewards, the findings confirmed that Red Bull accepted responsibility for the legality breach.
As a result of this decision, Hadjar will start the Miami Grand Prix from 22nd position, as he will also need to change his power unit. The usual penalty for such violations includes disqualification and starting from the pit lane.
Mekies issued an apology for the error, emphasizing that no performance advantage was intended with the modifications made to Hadjar’s car. This incident raises questions about adherence to FIA regulations, especially regarding technical compliance in Formula 1.
The implications of this disqualification could significantly impact Hadjar’s race strategy and overall performance in the championship. Teams often rely on qualifying positions to enhance their chances during races, making such breaches particularly consequential.
Moving forward, Red Bull will likely reassess its technical procedures to prevent similar issues in future races. The team aims to regain competitive momentum as they navigate through this setback.
Martha Kingsley is a Birmingham-based writer for News UK covering community, education and local affairs across the UK.
