Isack Hadjar Reflects on Mexican GP Clash with George Russell

Isack Hadjar from Red Bull found himself in a spin after a dramatic first lap at the Mexican Grand Prix, courtesy of an overzealous move from Mercedes' George Russell at Turn 6. Despite the FIA stewards handing Russell a 10-second penalty, Hadjar couldn't help but blame himself for the situation, admitting he perhaps shouldn't have trusted Russell in that moment.

Russell had a rocky start, dropping from second on the grid to be overtaken by his teammate Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc's Ferrari, and both Red Bulls. His ambitious attempt to regain ground resulted in contact with Hadjar, leaving the Frenchman frustrated as his race prospects took a nosedive.

"I honestly did not expect George to stick a wheel up Turn 6 because the corner was completely mine," Hadjar stated. "I was aware of him and I shouldn’t have trusted him in the end, but it happens. Clearly, it’s a shame. This completely ruined my race."

Although Hadjar's Red Bull sustained minor front-end damage, it required a few extra seconds in the pits for repairs. Yet, he remained confident in the car's pace, especially after switching to the soft tires, feeling he had podium potential before the incident dashed those hopes.

Reflecting on his ninth-place finish, Hadjar pointed to his own qualifying performance as a factor in the incident. "Honestly, it’s my fault that happened today, the Lap 1 incident, because had I done a better job yesterday, I wouldn’t be starting seventh," Hadjar admitted, highlighting a string of recent misfortunes that have plagued his Sundays.

Despite the setbacks, Hadjar remains optimistic, convinced that once luck turns in his favor, better results will follow. Meanwhile, his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen continued his impressive form, securing victory in Mexico, his third win in the last four races.