Hadjar keeps Monaco podium after post-race investigation for alleged red flag infringement
Isack Hadjar's first podium as a Red Bull driver appeared in doubt after the Monaco Grand Prix, with a post-race investigation taking place into an alleged red flag infringement
Isack Hadjar has kept his podium result at the Monaco Grand Prix after no further action was taken following a post-race investigation for an alleged red flag infringement.
The event got off to a difficult start for Red Bull, with Max Verstappen retiring at the end of the first lap following an issue on his car – and it would also prove to be a tough afternoon for Hadjar, who revealed after the chequered flag that he had been experiencing “massive driveability issues” from early on in the event.
However, following a frenetic race that featured a red flag in the latter stages, Hadjar crossed the line in fourth and was promoted into third due to Alpine’s Pierre Gasly receiving two time five-second penalties up ahead for speeding in the pit lane.
The result looked to have given Hadjar his first podium as a Red Bull driver – but this appeared in jeopardy when it was confirmed that he would be investigated after the race for an alleged red flag infringement, with a Technical Delegate’s Report stating: “During the suspension of the Race, mechanics of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Team were working on car number 6, performing operations not permitted by Article B5.14.4.a. at 16:55.
“When queried about their works, they stopped working and reverted the car to its previous state without replacing any part.”
Hadjar and a team representative were subsequently required to report to the stewards, but it was later confirmed after the hearing that no further action would be taken.
A document released afterwards said: “The team were reported as attempting to change spark plugs/coils but did not proceed with the change and the car started in the same condition as it arrived in the pits, therefore no further action is taken.”
Hadjar had earlier spoken immediately after the race of his joy at bouncing back from the challenges that he had faced during the weekend in Monte Carlo.
“[At the] restart, I felt like I had a good start and suddenly I had a hope, and I lost two places but I knew that the car ahead had a penalty,” he explained.
“But I had limited power and I never had to send it that much in my life through the corners to stay within five seconds of Pierre. It’s an outstanding weekend considering how it started in FP1, and I had no confidence to get back up, but we did it so I’m happy.”