RB22 Return Uncertain After Hadjar's Barcelona Crash
Laurent Mekies says RB's return to testing depends on damage assessment after Isack Hadjar's crash in Barcelona. The team is weighing options with only one day remaining.
Red Bull Racing’s CEO and Team Principal Laurent Mekies has expressed uncertainty regarding the RB22's return to the track after Isack Hadjar's crash on day two of Barcelona testing. The team opted to sit out the third day to assess the damage, leaving their remaining running time in the balance.
Why it matters:
With testing windows being incredibly tight and valuable, losing track time to repairs is a significant setback. The team must now weigh the value of gathering data against the risk of running a potentially compromised car or missing the session entirely to ensure readiness for the season.
The details:
- The Crash: Hadjar went off in the closing stages of yesterday's session on a damp, "treacherous" track following rain. Mekies called it unfortunate but noted these things happen in difficult conditions.
- Silver Lining: Despite the incident, Mekies emphasized that the day had been "very, very positive" beforehand, with Hadjar completing a strong number of laps and providing solid feedback.
- Team Atmosphere: The Team Principal reported high spirits and energy within the garage, highlighting good collaboration between Max Verstappen and Hadjar.
- Strategic Decision: Mekies stated, "We only have one day left, so we need to make sure we play that card carefully," indicating a cautious approach to the final day.
- Track Action: While Red Bull stayed put, conditions improved significantly, allowing teams like McLaren to hit the track with their new MCL40.
What's next:
The engineering team is currently analyzing the extent of the damage to determine if repairs can be completed in time. A final decision on whether the RB22 will take to the tarmac for the final day is expected within the next few hours.