Hadjar Emphasizes Performance Understanding Over Points in Japanese GP

Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar has revealed that the team's ultimate priority for the Japanese Grand Prix is not merely scoring points, but understanding how to extract more performance from their challenging RB22 car. The Frenchman will start Sunday's race at Suzuka from eighth position, having out-qualified teammate Max Verstappen for the second time this season.

Qualifying Challenges Reveal Underlying Issues

Hadjar admitted that reaching Q3 was always going to be difficult based on their practice sessions. "I knew it was going to be very hard to get to Q3 considering all the practice sessions," said the 21-year-old. "The car felt very different in Qualifying, not very much in a good way – it was just very hard to drive, but it was better."

Despite the challenges, Hadjar nearly achieved what he called his "unachievable goal" of P7. The French driver has shown promise this season with one points finish already – eighth place in the Chinese Grand Prix – but acknowledges that replicating that success in Japan will be challenging given the competitiveness of the midfield.

Verstappen's Struggles Highlight Team-Wide Issues

Hadjar's qualifying performance came alongside similar complaints from teammate Max Verstappen, who expressed dissatisfaction with the car's handling throughout the session. Both drivers have confirmed that the RB22 continues to be difficult to master in the 2026 season, suggesting ongoing development challenges within the Red Bull camp.

The Primary Goal: Understanding Performance Gaps

Hadjar emphasized that while scoring points remains a target, the team's focus extends beyond immediate race results. "Scoring a point considering how close it is with the cars around me is going to be tricky," he admitted. "Of course, points are always the target. The end goal is not to score points tomorrow, it's to understand how we can make that car faster."

This focus on understanding and development represents a strategic shift for Red Bull as they navigate a challenging start to the 2026 season. With both drivers expressing concerns about the car's performance, the Japanese Grand Prix will serve as another valuable data collection opportunity.

Looking Ahead to Race Day Strategy

Starting from eighth position, Hadjar will need to navigate the competitive midfield battle while also gathering crucial data on the RB22's performance characteristics. The 53-lap race at Suzuka's demanding circuit will provide valuable insights into tire management, race pace, and overall car behavior under varying conditions.

As Red Bull continues to develop their 2026 challenger, each race weekend becomes increasingly important for understanding the fundamental issues affecting their performance. Hadjar's pragmatic approach suggests that Red Bull is focusing on long-term development rather than short-term results as they work to close the performance gap to their competitors.