Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar was left fuming after Saturday’s Italian Grand Prix qualifying session at Monza, accusing Williams driver Carlos Sainz of deliberately disrupting his crucial out-lap in Q1.
Fresh off the high of his maiden Formula 1 podium at Zandvoort just a week ago, Hadjar endured a frustrating return to reality at the Temple of Speed.
Knocked out in the opening session and set to start from the pitlane due to a power unit penalty, the French-Algerian didn’t hold back in venting his frustration at Sainz’s antics.
Q1 Chaos and Hadjar’s Run Derailed
Hadjar felt that the Williams driver compromised his rhythm in the decisive first runs of qualifying.
“I mean we actually were really fast, the car was really good. I mean the out-lap 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.”
Hadjar went further, accusing Sainz of spoiling his preparation deliberately.
“I was on new tyres, Carlos was on used. He was playing around, trying to make my lap difficult on my out-lap and then not really letting me by properly. I just don't know what he was doing.”
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Despite his irritation, the 19-year-old insisted he would not confront Sainz over the incident, given that his pitlane start rendered any potential qualifying recovery meaningless.
“No, he has his reasons,” he said. “He's on his own plan, he knows what he's doing. 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.”
Sainz Hits Back, Defends His Tactics
Sainz, who qualified P13, was quick to dismiss Hadjar’s accusations, insisting he played by the rules.
“I didn’t jump the queue, I just joined the queue from where I was joining, where I turned into joining the queue, just in case they would consider I jumped,” Sainz told the media post-session.
“I left one car by, but—as long as I have one tyre on the fast lane I’m able to go.”
The Williams driver’s defense highlighted the cutthroat nature of qualifying, where track position and strategy often spark tension.
Hadjar now faces the daunting task of fighting through the field at Monza. With his pace undeniable and his fire stoked, the young charger is poised to make a statement on Sunday, penalty or not.
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