Isack Hadjar Delayed on Bahrain F1 Test Day 2

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Isack Hadjar did not take to the track during the opening hour of running on Day 2 of the 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit, following what Red Bull Racing described as a routine technical issue.

The Milton Keynes-based team confirmed that a minor problem was identified overnight during a rebuild of the RB22. While characterised as routine, the team opted for a cautious approach given the early stage of the season and the importance of safeguarding reliability under the new regulatory framework.

Hadjar is not expected to leave the pit lane until approximately midday local time, two hours into the morning session. Inside the garage, the atmosphere has remained calm, with no indication of a structural or performance-related setback.

Red Bull attracted significant attention during the opening day of testing, with Max Verstappen topping the timesheets for much of the session. Elements of the RB22’s aerodynamic configuration and power unit integration have drawn considerable interest from observers across the paddock.

The 2026 campaign marks Red Bull’s first season operating with its own in-house power unit, developed through Red Bull Powertrains in technical partnership with Ford. The transition represents a significant structural shift for the team as Formula 1 enters a new power unit era.

There were, however, reported issues on Day 1 affecting the sister Racing Bulls entry, which also runs the Red Bull Powertrains-Ford package. Despite that, Red Bull’s primary programme remained largely uninterrupted.

The team has indicated that no further upgrades are planned for the remainder of the first Bahrain test, with new components scheduled for introduction during the second phase of testing later in the week.

At this stage of pre-season preparation, the priority remains system validation and durability checks rather than outright performance. Hadjar’s delayed start is therefore viewed as part of standard early-cycle risk management as Red Bull continues to consolidate its new technical package ahead of the 2026 season opener.