Hadjar Praises Red Bull’s New Engine After Smooth Barcelona Debut

Isack Hadjar delivered a surprisingly positive report after the debut of Red Bull’s first in-house power unit during the first day of testing in Barcelona. Despite fears of teething issues with the new RB22 and engine package, the team completed a productive, problem-free session that exceeded expectations.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's transition to its own power unit marks a critical turning point for the team's future competitiveness. A smooth first run suggests they may have successfully navigated the immense engineering challenges of the new regulations, potentially avoiding the reliability struggles that often hamper ambitious engine projects. If this reliability holds, Red Bull could establish an early advantage in the new era.

The details:

• Unexpected Reliability: Hadjar admitted the team was surprised by the lack of issues, completing significantly more laps than anticipated on the debut of the in-house engine. "Everything went pretty smooth," he noted.
• Drivability: The French driver described the power unit's behavior as "pretty decent" and "solid," noting that upshifts and downshifts felt natural immediately despite the complexity of the new unit.
• Regulation Impact: The new generation of cars carries "a lot less load" and is more predictable than its predecessors, making it easier for drivers to adapt to the sweeping changes this season.
• Driver Tools: The new engine offers "a lot more options" for drivers to manipulate power unit settings, allowing for more strategic adjustments during a stint. Hadjar confirmed he began working on these tools immediately.

What's next:

While the initial signs are promising, Hadjar emphasized that there is still work to be done to fine-tune the package. The team will continue analyzing data to extract performance from the new power unit ahead of the season opener, ensuring the strong start translates into consistent race pace.