The Racing Bulls team from Faenza endured a challenging Grand Prix weekend in Montreal, marred by mechanical issues and penalties that undermined their performance. Liam Lawson, dealing with power unit problems, was forced to retire, while teammate Isack Hadjar managed only a 12th-place finish amid ongoing struggles. These difficulties overshadowed the team’s efforts despite flashes of promising speed during the event.
Pre-Race Penalties Set the Tone for Challenges
Both drivers started the race under disadvantageous conditions. Hadjar was penalized three grid positions for impeding Carlos Sainz during qualifying, pushing him back to 16th on the starting grid. Meanwhile, Lawson faced a harsher consequence, beginning the race from the pit lane after a power unit replacement. These setbacks foreshadowed the troubles that unfolded on race day for the Racing Bulls squad.
Lawson’s Power Unit Troubles Force Early Retirement
Lawson’s difficulties persisted despite the team’s efforts to fix the car. Following the replacement of his power unit, persistent cooling problems compelled the team to call him back to the pits and retire from the race entirely. This premature exit was a significant blow, especially given the car’s competitive pace throughout earlier sessions. Lawson expressed his determination to improve both his own performance and the car’s reliability in upcoming races.
Hadjar Struggles to Maintain Momentum in Race
Isack Hadjar, starting further back on the grid, encountered issues with tire graining that hampered his early race pace. A delayed pit stop further impacted his progress, causing him to lose several positions. Later, he found himself trapped in a DRS train, limiting overtaking opportunities and opening the door for rivals to pass in the final stages. Finishing 12th, Hadjar’s run ended his streak of point-scoring results since the Imola Grand Prix.
It was a challenging Sunday here in Montreal,
said Hadjar.
We had some car issues from the beginning of the weekend, so we will review everything with the team and come back stronger for the next race in Austria in two weeks.
—Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Driver
Looking Ahead: Racing Bulls Aim to Recover in Austria
Following a weekend filled with frustration and mechanical setbacks, the Racing Bulls team will focus on resolving their power unit issues and improving overall race performance. With the Austrian Grand Prix just two weeks away, the team and drivers Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar are under pressure to make significant progress. Their ability to bounce back will be crucial for remaining competitive in the highly demanding Formula 1 season.