The Miami Grand Prix weekend has taken a brutal turn for Isack Hadjar, as a late technical infringement has ripped away his P9 qualifying spot, forcing him to start Sunday's race from the very back.
Key Points:
- Isack Hadjar disqualified from Miami Grand Prix qualifying session.
- Car's floor boards found non-compliant by 2mm during technical checks.
- Drops from a strong P9 starting position to likely last place or pit lane.
- Adds to an already challenging weekend for the Red Bull-backed driver.
Miami Misfortune: Hadjar's Qualifying Nightmare
The drama unfolded long after the engines fell silent on Saturday, with FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer confirming a critical breach. Scrutineers found that the floor boards on Hadjar's Red Bull car were protruding by 2mm more than the rules permit. This seemingly minor infraction carries a heavy price.
Such technical infringements almost invariably lead to disqualification from the session. While the official hearing is set for Sunday morning, the expectation is clear: Hadjar will line up at the very back of the pack, potentially even from the pit lane, a devastating blow after securing a top-10 start.
Struggling for Pace in the Sunshine State
This disqualification compounds an already difficult weekend for the young Frenchman. Despite being backed by Red Bull and enjoying a strong start to his season, Miami has proven to be a tough nut to crack. The team brought significant aerodynamic upgrades, which Max Verstappen masterfully exploited to claim second in qualifying, but Hadjar hasn't found the same rhythm.
Hadjar himself acknowledged the struggle before the technical breach was revealed. He was 0.825 seconds slower than Verstappen and described his car as "very hard to drive." The conditions didn't help, with a scorching track temperature exceeding 55 degrees Celsius and low grip levels making it a treacherous circuit.
He noted the stark difference from previous rounds, highlighting a lack of straight-line speed and difficulty in tidying up his corners compared to his teammate. "Max is very good at adapting to these conditions," Hadjar admitted, underscoring the challenge of the new setup and the demanding track.
Antonelli Steals the Show, Verstappen Pushes Hard
While Hadjar faces a monumental task from the rear, the battle for pole position saw a different young star shine. Kimi Antonelli delivered a phenomenal lap to snatch pole position, denying championship leader Max Verstappen the top spot.
It was a stunning recovery for the Mercedes-backed teenager, who had earlier faced a penalty in the Sprint race. Antonelli’s performance showcased incredible resilience and raw speed, setting the stage for an electrifying Miami Grand Prix.
