Red Bull's Ascent: Hadjar's Injury Likely Delayed McLaren Overtake

Red Bull has closed the gap to McLaren to just seven points in the Constructors' Championship, intensifying the struggle for third place. Former Aston Martin strategist Bernie Collins argues that the Woking-based team would already be trailing their rivals if Isack Hadjar had not been sidelined by a wrist injury earlier this season.

Why it matters:

The fight for P3 highlights a critical shift in momentum. While Max Verstappen’s ability to maximize results has propelled Red Bull forward, McLaren’s operational lapses—including costly intra-team collisions during Sprint races—have left them vulnerable to a resurgent Red Bull.

The Details:

• The Injury Gap: Hadjar missed the Dutch, Italian, and Spanish Grands Prix, forcing Red Bull to rely on Liam Lawson.
• Points Comparison: Lawson secured 14 points across those three events (P7 at Zandvoort, P14 at Monza, and P6 in Madrid). Collins believes Hadjar would have outperformed this tally, potentially swinging the standings.
• The Comeback: Since returning at the Azerbaijan GP with a P3 finish, Hadjar has added significant value with a P5 in Malaysia and P10 in Singapore.
• Current Standings: Red Bull now sits at 332 points, trailing McLaren's 339 by a razor-thin margin.

The Big Picture:

Red Bull's resurgence is anchored by Max Verstappen's recent dominance in Malaysia and Singapore. In contrast, McLaren has struggled with consistency and driver management, failing to capitalize on their car's potential. The narrative has shifted from McLaren's stability to a desperate need to defend their position against a Red Bull team that is now firing on all cylinders.

What's next:

With Hadjar fully reintegrated and Verstappen in peak form, McLaren is under immense pressure to tighten its execution. If they cannot resolve their internal collisions and maximize point-scoring opportunities, Red Bull is poised to overtake them for third place in the coming rounds.