Isack Hadjar to Start Italian GP from Pitlane After Engine Change

Why it matters: Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar, who recently secured a maiden podium at the Dutch Grand Prix, faces a significant setback at the Italian Grand Prix. An engine change will force him to start the race from the pitlane, severely hindering his chances of a strong result.

The details:

• Hadjar's team decided to fit an entirely new Honda power unit after qualifying.
• This marks his fifth power unit of the season, exceeding the permitted allowance of four engines.
• As the change occurs between qualifying and the race, it constitutes a parc ferme breach, necessitating a pitlane start.
• The decision to swap power units was reportedly made before qualifying, not as a reaction to Hadjar's low grid position. This pre-planned move effectively minimizes the sporting penalty by choosing a pitlane start.

The bigger picture:

• It was a challenging qualifying session for Racing Bulls overall. Liam Lawson ended Q1 in last place after a troubled run, abandoning his final lap due to a significant slide at the first Lesmo corner.
• The tight Q1 session also saw Aston Martin's Lance Stroll, and Alpine's Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly eliminated. The entire 20-car field was separated by just eight tenths of a second.