Isack Hadjar explains 'gutted' emotion despite Austin 'disaster' recovery

Isack Hadjar has explained why he felt "gutted" following United States Grand Prix qualifying, despite a strong recovery to third after a "disaster" of a weekend.

Throughout practice, Hadjar struggled for balance and comfort in his RB22 machine, and was well off the pace of Max Verstappen on Friday.

However, in qualifying, Hadjar rallied and was able to secure third on the grid, just 0.036s down on Verstappen, with both drivers setting their fastest laps on their first Q3 runs. 

It is the best two-car qualifying result for Red Bull in the season, although Hadjar did take third on the road in Malaysia before a five-place penalty for a new ICE component, which dropped him to eighth.

Analysing his remarkable turnaround, the Frenchman described why he was feeling "gutted" at potentially throwing away a chance at a first F1 pole position - with Kimi Antonelli only 0.215s quicker. 

"I mean, it's been a disaster of a weekend for me. I've had all my lap times deleted all the time," Hadjar reflected.

"[In Free Practice 3], I could not complete a single lap on the soft tyres, but I knew there was something in the car because there were times when I could do half a lap and I felt comfortable, but I could never finish it. 

"But in qualifying, the car really came alive a bit more for me. We really dug deep on the set-up. We tried so many things this weekend, and it really paid off. 

"So, on that note, it's really, really satisfying. But I'm a bit gutted, not too much about the last lap, but more about the first attempt in Q3, because yes, the track was worse on that final lap and it wasn’t a great lap, but it was the same for everyone. 

"On that first lap, I really felt like I lost so much time with that massive tailwind I got, and I felt like there was a bit more, but I am happy with the comeback, and I thought we had a shot at the front row."

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Hadjar's victory chances

Turning to the race with two Red Bulls against the lone Mercedes of Antonelli, Hadjar was optimistic about strategy coming into play.

"Yeah, I mean, it's the two of us, so it's a bit of an advantage, so we'll try and use that," he said when asked if Red Bull could challenge for the win.