Hadjar eyes first F1 points after sensational qualifying in Shanghai

Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar is brimming with optimism, convinced that his first Formula 1 championship points are within reach at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday.

After a disheartening debut in Melbourne, where a formation lap crash in wet conditions denied him a starting spot, the 20-year-old French-Algerian driver has roared back in Shanghai.

His stunning seventh quickest time in Saturday’s qualifying has placed him just behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, and ahead of Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli and his seasoned teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

Now, Hadjar sees a golden opportunity to erase the memory of Australia and kickstart his F1 points tally.

Confidence in the Car and Team

Hadjar’s faith in his Racing Bulls machine and crew shined through after his performance in Saturday’s shootout.

“Actually I'm really proud of the team,” he told Sky TV.

“I can't believe how good the car is performing at the moment. I hit the ground [running] in Q1 and it's already in the ballpark, so really happy with what I have underneath.”

Hadjar’s qualifying pace in China – where he conceded just 0.438 seconds to pace setter Oscar Piastri – signals a driver and team in sync, ready to capitalize on their midfield prowess.

Targeting Points with a Sharp Start

While mindful of the challenges ahead, Hadjar is laser-focused on the race and determined to maximize his chances.

“Definitely these guys are realistically out of reach on long runs. But if I manage to nail that start I think I'm in a good position to score my first points. That's the target for sure,” he said.

His sprint race earlier Saturday offered a taste of F1 competition, and he believes his F2-honed skills give him an edge.

“To be fair coming from F2, it's really good training [for tyre management]. It was my first real race this morning [in the sprint] and I felt like, out of the midfield, I was doing pretty well with the tyre management.

“Still, it's something we need to look at.”

A strong launch off the line could see him hold or even improve his P7 grid slot, putting points firmly in sight.

Realistic Yet Resilient

Hadjar remains grounded about the threats behind him, particularly from Antonelli’s faster Mercedes. Asked if he could keep the rookie at bay, he replied, “I would say it's not possible.

“If he has the pace advantage over a long run distance, he can undercut, overcut. I will do my best but P8 is pretty satisfying.”

This pragmatism doesn’t dim his resolve. After Melbourne’s low, where Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko called his tearful reaction “embarrassing” and Anthony Hamilton offered a consoling embrace, Hadjar bounced back without altering his approach.

“I didn't change anything. I know this can happen, happened to me before, a low moment, but I was just so excited to go to Shanghai and just drive again,” he reflected.

That resilience now fuels his belief that Sunday could mark his F1 breakthrough.

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