Isack Hadjar’s F1 Qatar GP qualifying performance delivered an impressive P6 starting position for Racing Bulls. The Frenchman bounced back from a difficult Friday to secure a top six grid position for Sunday’s GP. Hadjar finished just outside the points in P9 during the earlier Sprint Race, but his qualifying pace demonstrated significant progress with the car’s setup.
Maximum performance extracted in Q3
Isack Hadjar felt he had maximized the car’s potential during his F1 Qatar GP qualifying session. Speaking in the print pen after qualifying, he explained the final run left no lap time on the table.
“Yeah, honestly there was not much more to do. When I was in the car, my final attempt, I was not going to improve by much. There was nothing more to get, so I’m very happy,” Hadjar stated.
The car’s performance represented a significant turnaround from Friday’s difficulties when he was 11th.
“The car was working really well, so it’s a good turnaround from yesterday,” he added.
Grid position presents strategic challenges
Starting from the odd numbered side of the grid creates complications for Hadjar’s F1 Qatar GP qualifying result. The P6 position sits on the traditionally slower line, though conditions may vary by race day. Hadjar noted the disadvantage but remained hopeful conditions might improve.
“Yeah, I think it’s a start on the wrong side of the grid…I don’t know, maybe tomorrow it will be less of a difference. Hopefully F2 do a good job cleaning the track,” he said.
The Formula 2 race scheduled before the Grand Prix could improve grip levels on the racing line. Isack Hadjar remained realistic about defending position against Carlos Sainz at the start: “Honestly, I think it’s going to be difficult to keep Carlos behind after lap 1. You never know.”
Aggressive strategy planned for race
Tyre management emerged as a critical talking point for Hadjar post Qatar GP qualifying. The rookie identified undercut risk from cars behind as the primary strategic concern. Hadjar explained Racing Bulls plans an aggressive approach rather than conservative tyre preservation.
“If we keep our position, then we’ll be in a position where we’re likely getting undercut by the cars behind. We don’t want that. I think one thing that will favour us is that it’s going to be full push, so we should not try to be too shy,” Hadjar stated.
He suggested early pit stops to control strategy rather than reacting to competitors. “Being aggressive, going into the pits early. Let’s see, maybe the soft is an option,” he added.
Limited overtaking opportunities expected
The circuit’s characteristics present difficulties for on track passing, despite Hadjar Qatar GP qualifying position. He predicted pit strategy would determine positions more than wheel-to-wheel combat: “Yeah, overtakes will be done in the pits. Even on track, you need a massive… Especially if there’s no degradation, so even if you overcut the car, it’s not going to work.”
Hadjar emphasized the importance of the opening lap before strategic execution takes over: “Yeah, we need lap one, and then we need a bit of luck,” he stated.
Track characteristics and racing outlook
When asked about potential circuit modifications, Hadjar praised the physical demands at Qatar. “I think the track is incredibly grippy. So if there’s even more grip, then I’m going to lose my neck,” he said.
Hadjar’s Qatar GP Qualifying experience highlighted the dual nature for drivers. He compared the circuit to Monaco in terms of driver satisfaction during qualifying sessions.
“I mean, it’s incredibly satisfying to drive in qualifying, just like Monaco is. And in the race, it’s incredibly boring. We’ll see anyway, next year with the new cars, I think the racing could be a lot better,” Hadjar stated. He clarified that the racing spectacle differs from the driver’s perspective. “In the car, it’s never really boring, to be fair,” he added.
The new regulations arriving next season could transform racing at circuits like Qatar. Hadjar’s F1 Qatar GP qualifying result positions him well to capitalize on any opening lap opportunities.
