Red Bull Uncertain of Return Timeline Following Hadjar Crash
Red Bull Racing faces uncertainty regarding the return timeline of its Formula 1 car following a crash involving driver Isack Hadjar. The incident occurred at the final corner of the Barcelona circuit during afternoon testing on a wet track. Team principal Laurent Mekies expressed that they will “try our best” to repair the damaged car this week.
Details of the Incident
Hadjar crashed on Tuesday, resulting in significant damage to the rear of the vehicle. The specific extent of the damage is still under assessment. This unfortunate setback occurred after an impressive first day of testing, where Hadjar was the fastest driver, completing over 100 laps.
Testing Schedule Challenges
- Red Bull utilized two of its three permitted testing days, leaving only one day remaining.
- The team has a tight schedule, with many competitors like McLaren and Aston Martin yet to test.
Mekies mentioned that Red Bull has flexibility in choosing to run on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, which may allow time for repairs. However, he also acknowledged the challenge of being short on spare parts due to the new car’s design.
Prioritizing Assessments and Repairs
The current priority for the team is to thoroughly assess the damage and make strategic decisions for the remaining testing opportunity. Mekies stated that it will take a few hours to analyze the situation fully.
Impact on Driver Schedule
This incident may affect four-time world champion Max Verstappen’s ability to complete a full day of testing. Verstappen only participated in the initial hours of Tuesday’s session, which were already impacted by rain. Mekies noted that rain running is valuable given the new regulations, despite the setback.
Looking Ahead
Red Bull aims to adapt its testing program to suit the evolving situation. Mekies highlighted that the comprehensive nature of their checklist and the limited time available constrain their preparations in Barcelona. With two additional tests set for Bahrain, the team is focused on making the most of the remaining opportunities.
