Isack Hadjar calls for clutch redesign to resolve poor race starts

Pulse Sports Team 08:53 - 27 October 2026

Isack Hadjar has urged Red Bull to redesign the clutch on the RB22 following a frustrating launch at the United States Grand Prix.

The Frenchman lined up third on the grid in Austin with realistic hopes of fighting for a podium. However, a sluggish getaway dropped him behind Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Hadjar ultimately crossed the line in sixth place after also losing out to Lando Norris on strategy.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the race, the young driver stressed that he had followed the launch procedure flawlessly, placing the blame squarely on the machinery. His comments come after Andrea Kimi Antonelli pointed out to Max Verstappen post-race that the Dutchman's car had also bogged down off the line.

"I did everything completely by the book, but there was too much power bite from the clutch. It's simply out of my hands, and it's starting to get seriously frustrating," Hadjar said.

"The clutch needs a complete redesign because it's currently far too fragile and doesn't handle high operating temperatures well. It really is a huge struggle," the French driver added.