Hadjar says reliability good but consistency lacking in Australian GP practice

Red Bull rookie Isack Hadjar told the Melbourne media that while the team's new 2026‑spec car feels reliable, he struggled to hit a steady rhythm in the second practice session at Albert Park. He posted the fourth‑fastest time in FP1, just behind Max Verstappen, but slipped to ninth in FP2 as he grappled with energy deployment and shifting braking points. The comments underscore the learning curve the squad faces as it adapts to the hybrid‑heavy regulations for next season.

Why it matters:

Reliability is the baseline for any championship contender, but without consistent lap times the car cannot translate that foundation into race‑winning performance. In a season where the power unit is split almost evenly between internal‑combustion and electric output, teams must master both energy recovery and precise driver inputs. For Red Bull, cementing a stable second driver alongside four‑time champion Max Verstappen is crucial to maintaining their dominance.

The details:

• FP1: Hadjar logged the fourth‑fastest lap, trailing Verstappen who was third, showing early pace.
• FP2: He fell to ninth on the board while Verstappen qualified sixth, highlighting a drop in consistency.
• Driver feedback: Hadjar said the car’s reliability is good, but every lap in FP2 was “quite difficult” due to energy deployment and constantly changing braking points.
• Circuit challenge: Albert Park forces drivers to adapt speed entry to each corner, making energy harvesting unpredictable under the new 50:50 ICE‑electric rule set.
• Career move: Hadjar moved up from Racing Bulls after a strong rookie year in 2025, taking a seat that has seen a revolving door of second drivers in recent seasons.

What's next:

The team will use the remaining practice time to fine‑tune energy recovery settings and lock in a more predictable brake map before qualifying on Sunday. If Hadjar can nail a consistent rhythm, Red Bull could field a two‑car threat that challenges the midfield and keeps the championship battle tight. Looking ahead, the 2026 technical overhaul will continue to test every outfit’s ability to blend power and efficiency, with the Australian GP serving as an early barometer.