Isack Hadjar Loses F2 Sprint Race Win: A Chain Reaction of Penalties
In the fast-paced world of Formula 2 racing, every second counts, and sometimes, a split-second decision can have massive repercussions. This was exactly the case in the recent F2 Sprint Race in Melbourne, where Isack Hadjar, an up-and-coming star from Campos Racing, found his victory dissolved due to a post-race penalty. The event unfolded in a dramatic manner, leaving fans and participants alike in a whirl of speculation and commentary.
The Incident That Changed Everything
As the race commenced, anticipation was at its peak. However, within moments of the lights going out, disaster struck. Hadjar, attempting to maneuver past the polesitter Roman Stanek, inadvertently set off a chain reaction. Unaware of his fast-approaching teammate, Pepe Martí, Hadjar’s move led Martí into a collision with Invicta’s Gabriel Bortoleto. The impact was significant, sending both Martí and Bortoleto crashing into the wall, their race ending on the spot.
The immediate aftermath saw Hadjar taking the lead, seemingly unaffected by the chaos behind him. However, the racing stewards commenced an investigation, scrutinizing the incident closely. After a thorough review, it became evident that Hadjar was predominantly to blame for the collision. Consequently, a 10-second time penalty was imposed on the Frenchman, demoting him from first to sixth position and promoting Stanek to his first F2 victory.
NEWS | 🇫🇷 Isack Hadjar has lost his F2 sprint race win. Roman Staněk inherits victory.
Hadjar, now sixth, received a 10-second time penalty for being found predominantly to blame for a start-line collision that took Gabriel Bortoleto and Pepe Martí out of the race. https://twitter.com/feeder_series/status/1771435008525234457
NEWS | 🇫🇷 Isack Hadjar has lost his F2 sprint race win. Roman Staněk inherits victory.
Hadjar, now sixth, received a 10-second time penalty for being found predominantly to blame for a start-line collision that took Gabriel Bortoleto and Pepe Martí out of the race.#F2 #AusGP
— Feeder Series (@feeder_series) March 23, 2024
Hadjar Reflects on the Moment
Acknowledging the tension and rapid decisions at the start, Hadjar shared his perspective prior to the stewards’ ruling. “It was quite stressful. I had a good launch and then tried to make a move on Roman. I didn’t see what was happening on my right-hand side,” he explained. Ignoring the potential for a penalty during the race, Hadjar focused solely on his performance, aiming to distance himself from any controversy. However, his unawareness at that critical moment led to his penalty.
Other Penalties and Implications
Hadjars wasn’t the only driver reprimanded post-race. Oliver Bearman and Jak Crawford also faced penalties for separate incidents, showcasing the high stakes and strict regulations governing the sport. Bearman received a 10-second time drop for pushing Durksen off the track, highlighting the intensity and aggression prevalent in racing strategies.
As the dust settles, Roman Stanek celebrates his maiden F2 win, a victory marked by skill but overshadowed by controversy. Meanwhile, Dennis Hauger and Kush Maini were elevated to second and third positions, respectively, benefitting from the penalties imposed on their rivals.
The fallout from the Sprint Race in Melbourne serves as a compelling reminder of the thin line between victory and defeat in motorsport. For Hadjar, it’s a harsh lesson in the importance of spatial awareness and decision-making at breakneck speeds. As the season progresses, how he and other penalized drivers recover from this setback will be closely watched. Their responses, both on and off the track, will define their paths forward in the high-octane world of Formula 2 racing.
Divya