Red Bull halts Barcelona test after Hadjar crash; Ford engine impresses

Red Bull has suspended its third day of testing in Barcelona following a crash by Isack Hadjar late on day two. The Milton Keynes squad has chosen to prioritize a full assessment of the damage to the RB22 over track time, particularly given the current scarcity of spare parts.

Why it matters:

While the interruption halts the team's immediate momentum, the decision highlights the strategic importance of preserving assets early in the testing phase. With the new regulations and the high-profile Ford partnership on the line, ensuring the car's structural integrity is paramount before Max Verstappen completes his full program.

The details:

• Crash Context: Hadjar took over the RB22 in the afternoon after heavy rain left the circuit in a tricky condition. The Frenchman crashed in the closing stages, cutting his running short.
• Schedule Adjustment: Verstappen, who shared track time with Charles Leclerc on day two, still has a full day of driving required. Red Bull plans to slot this in either tomorrow or on Friday.
• Power Unit Promise: The incident hasn't overshadowed the performance of the new Red Bull-Ford power unit. The engine logged 195 laps on day one, matching the tallies of Mercedes and Ferrari.
• Driver Feedback: Liam Lawson provided a "very positive" early verdict on the new powertrain, suggesting the team's collaboration with Ford is yielding immediate reliability gains.

What's next:

The team will focus on repairs and analysis before returning to the track. With the engine showing promising durability, the primary focus shifts back to aerodynamic data gathering and ensuring Verstappen is comfortable with the package before the season opener.