Hadjar Pleased as Red Bull's New Power Unit Passes First Test
Isack Hadjar completed a productive first day in Red Bull's RB22, setting the unofficial fastest time with the team's new in-house engine. The Frenchman praised the car's drivability and reliability despite initial concerns.
Isack Hadjar expressed satisfaction after a smooth debut for Red Bull Racing's RB22 and the new Red Bull Ford power unit in Barcelona. Despite it being the first run with their in-house engine, the team completed more laps than expected, with Hadjar even setting the unofficial quickest time of the day.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's transition to their own power unit is a massive gamble. A smooth first day suggests the engineering team at Red Bull Powertrains has managed reliability well, easing fears about a potential drop in performance compared to their previous Honda partnership.
The Details:
- Smooth Operations: Hadjar reported "minor issues" at most, noting the day was "quite impressive" for a shakedown with a completely new engine.
- New Gen Feel: The driver highlighted that the new generation cars offer "a lot less load" and are more predictable, making them easier to handle than the previous spec.
- Power Unit Drivability: The new Red Bull Ford engine felt "pretty decent" with familiar upshift and downshift characteristics, though fine-tuning is ongoing.
- Performance: Hadjar clocked an unofficial 1:18.159, topping the timesheets before data broadcasting was halted.
What's next:
The team faces potential weather disruptions, with heavy rain forecast for Tuesday. This could limit running for Max Verstappen or other drivers scheduled to test, making today's reliable mileage even more valuable.