Isack Hadjar could face a stern talking-to from Red Bull after initially refusing to let Max Verstappen pass during the United States Grand Prix.
The Frenchman questioned the instruction over team radio at the Circuit of the Americas, but former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard believes the incident will prompt an internal discussion about Red Bull’s expectations of its drivers.
Hadjar initially refuses to let Verstappen through
Hadjar started third at the United States Grand Prix but lost ground to both Ferrari drivers during the opening stages. Red Bull subsequently committed to different strategies for its two drivers, with Verstappen adopting a two-stop approach and making his first pit stop on lap 13 while Hadjar continued on track.
The strategy left Verstappen behind his team-mate, prompting Red Bull to instruct Hadjar to make way at Turn 12. However, the Frenchman was reluctant to surrender his position, concerned that doing so would cost him valuable race time.
“I don’t want to lose race time. I can’t let Verstappen pass. Sorry,” Hadjar told his race engineer over the team radio.
Race engineer Richard Wood made it clear that the instruction was not optional, responding: “No, mate, we’re going to do this.”
Hadjar eventually allowed Verstappen through at Turn 15, bringing the brief disagreement to an end.
Coulthard expects Red Bull to address the incident
Verstappen went on to finish third, while Hadjar crossed the line in sixth. Coulthard, who previously raced for McLaren and Red Bull, believes the team’s decision was understandable given Verstappen’s experience and record of success.
The former Scottish driver expects Red Bull to speak to Hadjar about the incident, arguing that the Frenchman must understand the expectations attached to his position within the team.
“It may seem strict, but as a multiple winner, Verstappen knows how to change positions. Isack will get a telling-off for this. He will never have that discussion again. For a moment, he forgot who he works for,” Coulthard said.
The comments reflect the importance Red Bull places on managing its drivers’ races when differing strategies create potential conflicts on track. Although Hadjar was understandably concerned about sacrificing time, the team ultimately prioritised Verstappen’s race strategy.
Hadjar argues the team could have handled it better
Hadjar offered a different perspective after the race, explaining that the position swap had consequences for both drivers. Verstappen was forced to run in his team-mate’s dirty air, while Hadjar lost time by slowing down to allow the Dutchman through.
From the Frenchman’s perspective, Red Bull could have managed the situation more effectively by preparing the swap in advance, rather than issuing the instruction while both drivers were on track.
The disagreement therefore highlighted a potential weakness in the team’s strategic communication. Hadjar’s resistance was rooted in concern about his own race, while Red Bull wanted to avoid compromising Verstappen’s strategy.
Verstappen’s championship position adds context
The gap between the two drivers also helps explain why Red Bull was keen to protect Verstappen’s race. Hadjar finished the United States Grand Prix in sixth, while Verstappen secured another podium finish in his pursuit of the championship.
Hadjar was seventh in the drivers’ standings with 105 points, 131 fewer than Verstappen, according to the figures provided.
Coulthard’s prediction of a reprimand suggests Red Bull will want to ensure there is no repeat of the disagreement. For Hadjar, the challenge is to defend his own competitive interests while recognising when the team believes a strategic decision must take priority.
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