Isack Hadjar has urged Red Bull to urgently simplify its race start procedure after another costly setback at the Formula 1 Barcelona Grand Prix, where launch issues once again disrupted his race despite strong recovery pace.
The rookie driver admitted the team’s current system is “too complicated,” saying he cannot be expected to execute starts with machine-like precision. While he eventually salvaged a solid sixth-place finish, Hadjar believes Red Bull’s inconsistent starts are becoming a recurring weakness that must be addressed immediately.
Key Points
- Isack Hadjar criticises Red Bull’s “complicated” start procedure after Barcelona GP
- Poor launch dropped him outside the top 10 despite strong recovery to P6
- Max Verstappen also struggled with race starts in recent Grands Prix
- Hadjar says Red Bull remains strong in race pace but inconsistent off the line
Another Costly Start for Red Bull in Barcelona
Barcelona once again exposed Red Bull’s fragile race starts. While Mercedes and Ferrari have improved their launches in recent races, Red Bull continues to struggle with getting both cars off the line cleanly.
Hadjar, who started alongside Max Verstappen in the midfield pack, dropped down the order immediately after a poor launch that left him fighting through traffic in the opening stint. Verstappen also failed to maximise his grid position, finishing as the leading Red Bull in fourth place but well off the race-winning pace. The result highlighted a growing concern: Red Bull has the speed, but not always the execution when the lights go out.
Hadjar: “I’m Not a Computer”
After the race, Hadjar was direct about the issue, pointing to the complexity of Red Bull’s start procedure as a key problem. He explained that repeated practice starts throughout the weekend had already been inconsistent, culminating in a difficult launch on race day that included stalled attempts.
Hadjar stressed that the system requires unrealistic precision, making it difficult for drivers to consistently deliver perfect reactions under pressure. Despite the frustration, he still managed to recover strongly through the field to finish P6, salvaging valuable points for the team.
Red Bull’s Growing Start Problem
Recent races suggest a pattern emerging within Red Bull’s performance. Verstappen also struggled to convert strong grid positions into clean openings, including a difficult getaway in Monaco. While race pace remains competitive, especially compared to the midfield, the team is increasingly finding itself stuck in a “middle gap” — too fast for the midfield, but not consistently sharp enough to challenge for wins.
Hadjar acknowledged this situation, noting that once in clear air, the car performs well, but poor starts often leave the team reacting rather than attacking.
Final Thoughts: Speed Without Starts Isn’t Enough
Red Bull remains one of the strongest packages on the Formula 1 grid, but Hadjar’s comments underline an important weakness: execution off the line. In a championship where track position is everything, even small launch errors can define an entire race. For Red Bull, the message from Barcelona is clear — raw pace is no longer enough. The starts need to match the speed.
