Hadjar Penalized for Qualifying Incident at Canadian Grand Prix
Isack Hadjar, driving for Racing Bulls, has been handed a three-place grid penalty for the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix. The penalty stems from a qualifying incident where Hadjar impeded Carlos Sainz, who was on a hot lap, as they approached Turn 6.
Sainz expressed his frustration over the radio after being eliminated in Q1, ultimately qualifying 17th. Hadjar, who will now start 12th, maintained his innocence, stating, “I never impede anyone, not even in practice,” and referenced a “complete miscommunication” from his team regarding Sainz’s lap status.
The stewards confirmed Hadjar’s account, noting he was initially informed Sainz had aborted his lap. However, Hadjar misjudged the timing and could not vacate the racing line in time. Their ruling indicated that regardless of fault, the standard penalty for such an infringement is a three-place drop.
Sainz’s repositioning follows a 10-place grid penalty awarded to Yuki Tsunoda for a separate incident during Free Practice 3, allowing Sainz to move up to 16th on the grid.
The Canadian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, with both drivers looking to recover from a challenging qualifying session.
