– Isack Hadjar missed a complete race weekend for the first time in his career during the Formula 1 weekend in Zandvoort. The Red Bull driver had to forgo the start at the Dutch Grand Prix due to a wrist injury during the summer break and instead followed the events from his team’s garage.
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Hadjar arrived at the track on Friday morning and wanted to follow the race weekend as intensively as possible despite his injury. At the same time, it was important not to take any unnecessary risks in order not to jeopardize the chances of returning at the upcoming race in Monza. After medical consultation, the Frenchman therefore decided against participating.
“It is frustrating to miss a race. I have been racing since I was seven years old, I am now 21 and have never missed a race weekend due to an injury. It is strange not to participate and to experience everything from the outside. It is weird, but that’s how it is,” Hadjar explained to L’Equipe.
Hadjar wants to stay in the F1 rhythm despite injury
Nevertheless, the Frenchman tried to take something positive from the involuntary stay at the track. After the summer break, it was important to stay in the Formula 1 rhythm. In addition, he had the opportunity to observe his team’s work from a different perspective.
“We just came back from the summer break, so it is good to be here and stay in the Formula 1 rhythm. I can also see how my team works. There is always something to learn. During a race weekend, I am usually in a tunnel and can miss information that could be useful to me,” said Hadjar.
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While he was forced to watch, Hadjar experienced, among other things, the spectacular crash of Max Verstappen in the first lap. Meanwhile, his replacement Liam Lawson collected six points for Red Bull and finished the race in seventh place.
Hadjar seeks advice from MotoGP star Marquez
Hadjar also exchanged views on his injury with MotoGP star Marc Marquez. The Spaniard, who has himself experienced numerous injuries, was supposed to give him an additional perspective from the point of view of another racer.
“We exchanged voice messages. I have his contact details and thought there is a driver who knows about injuries. I received a lot of medical advice, but I wanted to talk to a driver and hear the perspective of someone who has already experienced something like this. He also confirmed to me that it is not a big problem to miss a weekend,” Hadjar reports.
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For Hadjar, full recovery is therefore the top priority. His goal remains a return to the cockpit at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza at the beginning of September, provided his physical condition allows it.
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