Hadjar says strategy split muddled Red Bull order to let Verstappen through

Isack Hadjar says Red Bull’s strategy split made the order to let Max Verstappen through confusing during the United States Grand Prix. Hadjar said the situation cost both drivers time.

Both Red Bulls started on soft tyres, but Verstappen pitted early for a fresh set. That meant he needed another stop under the tyre rules, while Hadjar stayed out to pursue a one-stop race. Verstappen caught his team-mate on the newer tyres. Red Bull wanted Hadjar to let him through at Turn 12 to minimise time lost, but the pass came at Turn 15. Verstappen lost time in Hadjar’s dirty air and vented his frustration over team radio.

Hadjar said he eventually realised a one-stop race was achievable for him. He added that Red Bull also appeared to be thinking in those terms, although Verstappen had already pitted. That mismatch, he said, confused both drivers: Verstappen was coming up quickly, while Hadjar lost time by yielding. Hadjar said they had not expected a one-stop strategy to be so feasible.