What Really Happened With Isack Hadjar's Angry Sainz Incident and Q1 Exit

Isack Hadjar's Q1 exit at the Italian Grand Prix was marked by frustration directed at Carlos Sainz, though a pre-planned engine change was the true underlying factor impacting his performance and mindset.

Why it matters

Hadjar was eliminated in Q1 for the first time in his Formula 1 career at Monza, leading to visible anger towards Carlos Sainz on track and in post-session interviews. His frustration, however, was also heavily influenced by a major undisclosed penalty.

The incident

During their final Q1 runs, Hadjar and Sainz left the pitlane in close proximity. Sainz, known for his Williams team's aggressive pit exit tactics, had briefly edged ahead, though he then let Hadjar pass before the out-lap.

• Sainz's persistent following: Sainz then pushed hard directly behind Hadjar for the entire out-lap, leading Hadjar to brand his own out-lap a "mess" and accuse Sainz of "playing around, trying to make my life difficult."
• Radio anger: Hadjar's on-track radio communications were notably heated, questioning Sainz's motives and calling his out-lap conduct "annoying."

What really happened

Sainz was not intentionally disrupting Hadjar. Instead, he was executing an unconventional run plan: out-lap, preparation lap, and then a push lap. His race engineer had confirmed this strategy and urged Sainz to clear Hadjar quickly to avoid time penalties.

• Hadjar's missed opportunity: Hadjar's engineer had also advised him to let Sainz by, but he delayed, only doing so just before the final corner. This meant Hadjar had rushed his out-lap for no real benefit.
• Q2 cost: This rushed approach contributed to a flustered middle sector and a wide exit from Lesmo 2, costing Hadjar a spot in Q2. Matching his previous best in Sector 2 would have seen him through.

The bigger picture

Crucially, Hadjar was aware before qualifying of a planned engine change, which meant he would start last on the grid regardless of his qualifying performance.

• Impact on mindset: Hadjar admitted this knowledge significantly affected his mindset: "I hate going into qualifying knowing anyway that I'm starting last tomorrow... This was just wrong."
• Team strategy: This plan also explains why his Racing Bulls teammate, Liam Lawson, received the team's only upgraded floor for the weekend, as Hadjar's grid position was already compromised.

Looking ahead

Despite believing his car could reach Q3, Hadjar acknowledges the reality of starting from the back.

• "If I'm starting in the top 10, we have a shot at points, but we can't overtake 10 cars on pure pace and with a good strategy. It doesn't happen."