Canadian Grand Prix: Hadjar penalized 3 places for impeding Sainz

Isack Hadjar loses three positions on the starting grid of the Canadian Grand Prix after impeding Carlos Sainz during qualifying in Montreal. The French Racing Bulls driver, who had finished ninth in qualifying, is relegated to twelfth place following this penalty from the stewards.

The incident occurred in Q1, in the final minutes of the first phase of qualifying. Sainz, driving his Williams, was on a flying lap when he found himself blocked by Hadjar at the entrance of turn 6. The Spanish driver then described the obstruction as massive on his team’s radio.

A misunderstanding between Hadjar and her team

The commissioners investigated this incident following Sainz’s complaints. Their verdict reveals a communication problem within the Racing Bulls team.

Hadjar explained to the stewards that he was initially informed by his team that Sainz was approaching on a flying lap, before being warned that the Spaniard had aborted his attempt. Although he saw car 55 in his mirrors, he relied on what his team had told him and when he realized that the information was incorrect, he did his best to get out of the way, states the official FIA report.

Asked about the incident after the session, the Frenchman confirmed his version of events: « It’s very simple. I was told he had retired. I was also on a fast lap returning. So I didn’t completely move off the track, which we’re all used to doing, but he was still on his flying lap. So yes, it’s a misunderstanding but honestly, there was nothing I could do and I’m sorry for him. »

Despite this explanation, the commissioners applied the standard sanction. The standard penalty for this infraction during qualifying, according to penalty guidelines, is a 3-place grid penalty, whether the incident is the fault of the driver or the team, states their official decision.

This penalty deprives Racing Bulls of a favorable spot on the grid, as Hadjar managed to qualify ninth despite driving difficulties. « Honestly, not that much, it was hard to drive there. The balance for me wasn’t really spot on, so it was a bit of a guess every time I came into a corner », he confided after the session.

The penalty directly benefits Alex Albon, Sainz’s teammate at Williams, who moves up to ninth position. Franco Colapinto and Nico Hülkenberg also gain a spot in the standings (10th and 11th). At the front of the grid, George Russell has secured pole position ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.