Isack Hadjar Explains Red Bull Crash at Barcelona F1 Test

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Isack Hadjar has explained the cause of his crash with Red Bull Racing during the Formula 1 2026 shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which occurred in wet conditions.

Hadjar was responsible for the only major incident of the shakedown week, losing control at the final corner late on Tuesday afternoon. The Red Bull car sustained significant rear-end damage, forcing the team into extensive repair work before it could return to the track on its final permitted day of running.

As a result, Red Bull adjusted its programme and resumed track action on Friday, with Max Verstappen completing the full day of running. Verstappen logged 118 laps, bringing Red Bull’s combined shakedown total to 303 laps across the three-day test.

Hadjar revealed that the accident was triggered by the transition from wet tyres to intermediates on a rain-soaked circuit, a critical phase with rapidly changing grip levels.

“It was nice to have a good day on Monday,” said Isack Hadjar.
“It was very productive and we managed to do a lot more laps than we had expected. Everything went pretty smoothly and we only had minor issues, which was impressive considering it was our first day with our own power unit.”

However, conditions deteriorated on Tuesday, leading to the incident late in the session.

“Unfortunately, on Tuesday, just after switching from wets to inters, I lost control of the car in the final corner,” he continued.
“I know the aftermath wasn’t ideal for the team.”

Despite the setback, Hadjar stressed that the early running had already provided valuable understanding of the new-generation car.

“The positive is that I have already started to understand and work on things in the car. There are still a lot of things to tweak, of course, but it has been steady so far.”

He also highlighted the fundamental differences between the 2026 cars and the previous generation, particularly in terms of aerodynamics and power unit operation.

“These cars are very different. There is definitely a lot less load overall and they are more predictable than the previous generation,” Hadjar explained.
“They are more straightforward to work with, and on the power unit side there are many more options for the driver to play with.”

Hadjar added that his preparation for the season could hardly have been stronger, while acknowledging that the learning process is ongoing.

“I couldn’t have prepared for this season any better, and I’m hoping to start the year strongly, but we are definitely not done with the work yet. I’m learning every day.”

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies offered full backing to his new driver, who was promoted to the senior team over the winter at the expense of Yuki Tsunoda after just one full season in Formula 1.

“We got more than 100 laps in on Monday with Isack, which was a positive day,” Mekies said.
“Tuesday was more difficult. Max ran in the morning and managed one long run before the rain arrived, but we felt it was important learning to run this new generation of car in wet conditions.”

Mekies viewed the crash as an unfortunate but valuable learning experience.

“Isack went out in the afternoon with no chance for dry tyres, but we gathered good data in the wet. He went off at the end of the day in very tricky conditions, with a lot still to get right on the car,” he explained.
“It was unfortunate, but these things happen. The number of laps Isack completed and the learning gained by him and the team cannot be underestimated.”

He also praised Red Bull’s mechanics and engineers for returning the car to the track and completing its first test with the new Red Bull Powertrains engine programme, supported by Ford.

“It was an incredible job by the team at the track and back at the factory to get the car running again for Friday,” Mekies added.
“Max completed more than 100 laps and provided extremely valuable feedback, which will help shape our preparations for Bahrain and beyond.”

With initial data now gathered in Barcelona, Red Bull turns its focus toward further development ahead of the next test. While Hadjar’s crash proved disruptive, the team views the shakedown as a constructive first step in understanding the 2026 car and power unit package.