Isack Hadjar has voiced his displeasure at George Russell for colliding with him on the opening lap of the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix.
Qualifying in seventh for the race, Hadjhar had high hopes for the podium in Mexico City has made up ground in the first few corners on the opening lap.
But Russell attempted a move on the Frenchman at the narrow Turn 6, sending his W17 up the inside only to collide with the Red Bull.
This sent Hadjar plummeting to the back of the order, while Russell was awarded a 10-second time penalty for causing the collision.
Somewhat understandably, Hadjar cut a frustrated figure in media pen after the race, and voiced his displeasure at the incident.
“I honestly did not expect George to stick a wheel up Turn 6 because the corner was completely mine,” he said to media after the race, including Motorsport Week.
“Clearly, it’s a shame. This completely ruined my race.”
Hadjar also confirmed the impact of damage to his RB22, compromising his race. “Little on the front. Little damages.
“We had to repair something during the pit stop, which took a couple of seconds. But nothing dramatic.
“I think the pace on the medium in the first stint anytime out of [Turn] 3 I was good. When we pitted for the softs, I only did two laps but I felt super, super quick.
“During that Lap 1, I was like, ‘Okay, I have a shot for the podium.’ And then it was finished.”
Isack Hadjar unhappy with own performance
Although Russell was to blame for the clash, Hadjar revealed his annoyance at his performance on Saturday, which he said put him at risk of an 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.
“Maybe we are fighting for better than a podium, and we don’t meet George on the way.
“These things happen. It’s better to maximise your chances at the front. Should have done a better job.
“It’s frustrating now. Malaysia, we had the deployment issue. Singapore reliability all the time. Austin, terrible start, I was blocked in the wrong map. So everything is lining up so I have a terrible Sunday at the moment.
“Once it clicks, it’s going to click, and it’s going to be nice.”
Hadjar endured a difficult weekend, both on and off the track in Mexico City after an incident with a fan in the paddock, and power unit troubles in practice ahead of his eventful race on Sunday.
The Frenchman will be aiming for a trouble free weekend in Sao Paulo.
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