Isack Hadjar Overcomes Setback to Qualify P7 at Japanese Grand Prix

SUZUKA, Japan — Isack Hadjar experienced a tumultuous qualifying session for the Japanese Grand Prix, but ultimately secured a commendable seventh position on the grid. The Racing Bulls rookie encountered multiple issues, including discomfort from tight seatbelts, that threatened to derail his efforts during qualifying on Saturday.

Hadjar’s qualifying hour started on a shaky note as he reported a problem in the cockpit. It wasn’t until he was visibly unsettled in the team’s garage that the issue was identified: his seatbelts were excessively tight, significantly affecting his concentration and performance during the first qualifying round.

“I had issues with the seatbelts so I had to jump out, jump back in and it was fine,” Hadjar said after the session. “It compromised my first run in Q1, then it was driveable thankfully on that final lap in Q1 to get through to Q2. I was in pain a bit and then for the rest I could reset and just focus on driving fast, and it worked.”

Hadjar managed to overcome the discomfort just in time for a stunning lap that placed him among the top contenders, even finishing ahead of his racing icon, Lewis Hamilton, in the final session. This result marks a significant improvement from his previous attempt, where strategic pitfalls had seen him finish outside the points at the Chinese Grand Prix.

“Now we focus on tomorrow,” Hadjar stated, signaling his determination as he prepares for the race. “I didn’t start the work yet because we’re focused on today. Let’s see, I think from P7 if we nail the strategy and don’t make silly mistakes then it should be okay.”

Despite concerns regarding team performance and setup, Hadjar’s P7 qualifying result offers him a strong chance to secure his first points of the season during the race. His confidence is boosted by the fact that he has now outqualified both his previous teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, and current teammate, Liam Lawson.

Looking ahead, Hadjar acknowledges that while individual performance is essential, achieving a favorable outcome in the race will largely depend on effective strategy execution and avoiding any missteps. The track conditions at Suzuka, combined with the pressure of competition, will further play a role in determining his success.