Teams
Hadjar heads to Mexico with Red Bull's start weakness unresolved
Hadjar says Red Bull must manage its existing launch problems in Mexico, while taking encouragement from the car's race pace.
Reporting credit: Formula1.com · Pitpass / Oracle Red Bull Racing
Isack Hadjar expects Red Bull to tackle the Mexico City Grand Prix with its existing starting limitations, according to comments published by Formula1.com on October 30. He said the short gap since Austin had left no opportunity to resolve the weakness, although the team has previously managed better getaways.
Hadjar also identified radio quality as an area needing improvement. His assessment separates the car's speed from its execution: he remains encouraged by the underlying pace, despite the problems that disrupted his United States Grand Prix.
Red Bull's Austin race notes, reproduced by Pitpass on October 26, provide context. Hadjar described losing two positions to Ferrari at the start, then finding competitive pace on soft tyres. A system problem in the pit lane subsequently compromised his race, which ended in sixth. Team principal Laurent Mekies also acknowledged the team's imperfect starts.
Looking ahead to Mexico, Hadjar pointed to the slippery surface and the long approach to the first corner. He suggested a tow might help, while stopping short of promising that Red Bull's launch performance would improve.
UPDATE FORMULA perspective
The practical question is whether Red Bull can turn its pace into a cleaner opening lap. Hadjar's comments describe a limitation the team is managing; they do not confirm a technical fix or establish how Sunday's race will unfold.


