Isack Hadjar says Red Bull must improve race starts ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

Isack Hadjar has identified Red Bull’s “weakness” in the opening phase of races ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, arguing that the team must improve its starts if it wants to challenge for victory again. The French driver said the topic is linked directly to what happened during the United States Grand Prix, when a poor getaway blunted his momentum even after he secured his best-ever qualifying result.

Hadjar explained that after matching his best qualifying performance with P3 in Austin, his race went badly from the start: he dropped down the order on the opening lap and later described the situation as feeling like “everything went wrong.” He also cited a throttle problem before finishing P6 at the chequered flag, adding that he remained “still a bit frustrated” with the outcome.

The Mexico City preview comes as Hadjar continues through a run of challenging rounds. He missed out on a podium in Sepang due to a battery issue, then endured a difficult Singapore weekend where technical problems limited him to P10. Despite those setbacks, he said he was satisfied with Red Bull’s underlying pace, describing it as “great” when he reflected on his United States performance.

Discussing what the team needs to change, Hadjar said the start has not consistently been within control. He noted that there have been times Red Bull thought it had the issue “under control,” only for performance to shift the other way, and he pointed to the need for improvement in both launches and communication. “We’re aware of the weakness – we need better starts. We need better radio quality because it’s a bit difficult to do a race without that,” Hadjar said. He also emphasized that while recent days did not allow fixes, Red Bull would continue to push with what it has.

Looking forward to Mexico, Hadjar stressed that the track presents a different challenge. He described Mexico City as “so slippery” that drivers are “just sliding around so much,” calling the conditions “not the most enjoyable” while also referencing the circuit’s layout. He said his approach would be to “adapt” and minimize losses, especially given the long run down to Turn 1, where he suggested a tow could help early in the race.

Hadjar also linked his confidence to Red Bull’s ability to win despite difficulties, pointing to teammate Max Verstappen’s race victories in Malaysia and Singapore. While he stopped short of guaranteeing results, he said Red Bull would “push hard” and aim to replicate strong performances they have delivered in the past.

With Mexico City set to demand careful management from the first lap, Hadjar’s comments place starts and radio clarity at the top of Red Bull’s priorities—areas he believes can help turn strong pace into stronger race outcomes.