‘Nothing I could have done’ – Hadjar reveals the ‘super-frustrating’ reason he didn’t score bigger in Saudi Arabian GP

Isack Hadjar was pleasantly surprised to score points at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix but was left frustrated by the teamwork of the Williams pairing to deny him further progress through the order.

Racing Bulls rookie Hadjar scored points for only the second time in his fledgling Formula 1 career, with his 10th place in Jeddah adding to a season-best eighth in Japan.

READ MORE: Piastri clinches victory in Saudi Arabia from Verstappen and Leclerc as McLaren driver becomes new championship leader

Starting in 14th with hard tyres fitted, Hadjar benefited from the early exits of Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda, but also found a way past team mate Liam Lawson, who had been caught up in the melee.

With Fernando Alonso later falling behind the pair, Hadjar was left to battle the Williams duo, but clever DRS tactics, with Carlos Sainz helping to slipstream Alex Albon down the start-finish straight, limited opportunities for further progress.

“To be fair, I didn’t know points were possible on pure pace and actually, we managed to do it,” said Hadjar. “So it was a really good effort and it was super-frustrating because if they were not team mates, P8 was on the table quite easily. But it’s part of racing. We would have done the same.

“I think I had a few mistakes but nothing costly, so I’m quite happy with my performance. Like Japan, a solid race.”

READ MORE: Brown and Horner share contrasting views on Verstappen’s penalty in Saudi Arabia

Referencing Williams’ straight line speed, he added: “Honestly, on the straight they were freaking fast and Alex didn’t make a single mistake. Two experienced drivers helping each other, I think there’s nothing I could have done.”

Lawson crossed the line in 11th, but dropped behind Alonso due to being handed a 10s penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage when passing Jack Doohan.

“I didn’t have a great start and then was in the wrong place on the first lap when everything sort of happened and I went off track. It’s a shame,” said Lawson.

READ MORE: Hamilton ‘fighting the car every corner’ in Saudi Arabian GP as Ferrari driver suffers ‘tough’ race

“I think the car is pretty quick, honestly, and we just spent the whole race in traffic again, no matter what we did. It was a shame.

“This weekend has been the most comfortable I have been in the car. I just want some points and I think we’re doing all the right things, it just needs to come together.”

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