Hadjar criticises Sainz for qualifying antics at F1 Italian GP

Isack Hadjar has identified Carlos Sainz as the reason for his disappointing early exit from qualifying for the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.

The Racing Bulls rookie was eliminated from Q1 in 16th having struggled with his outlap due to catching Sainz’s Williams, which eventually qualified 13th.

Although Hadjar reckons “the car was really good”, he was left frustrated by the operational side just a week after he claimed his maiden F1 podium at the Dutch Grand Prix.

“The outlap was a mess with Carlos, he was just playing around a lot to then let me by,” Hadjar told Sky Sports F1.

“I don’t know why [we] even went out on track in the first place on new tyres to just cruise around, and I don’t know what was the point and then I made a mistake on my lap, and that’s it. It’s my first mistake in quali in a while, so it happens.”

“I was on new tyres, Carlos was on used,” Hadjar added. “He was playing around, trying to make my lap difficult on my outlap and then not really letting me by properly. I just don’t know what he was doing.”

Hadjar said he will not speak to Sainz after qualifying ahead of a pitlane start on Sunday, due to a power unit change on the Racing Bulls car. 

“He has his reasons, he’s on his own plan, he knows what he’s doing,” said Hadjar. “But anyway, I’m starting last tomorrow, so even if I was putting it on pole I wouldn’t care because I’m starting from the back.”