Isack Hadjar believes Max Verstappen's shock qualifying crash at the Austrian Grand Prix could have been caused by an issue with the straight line mode system.
On his final flying lap in Q3, Verstappen lost control at Turn 9, and skated through the gravel before thumping the wall broadside.
The Dutchman clambered uninjured from the heavily upgraded car as he qualified in fifth place, with Hadjar taking eighth in the sister RB22.
When asked about the situation, the Frenchman explained that he believed there was a problem with the rear wing reattaching at the end of the zone approaching into Turn 9.
"I think he had an issue with his [straight mode]," Hadjar told media, including RacingNews365, of his team-mate's crash.
"It was not closing properly going into the last corner, so I think that is related to the upgrades."
As for his own qualifying, Hadjar took eighth place, but expressed his lack of confidence on the brakes throughout.
"It was better today, but it is still not our strong point, and I am struggling on the brakes," he said.
"I just can't smash the brakes, like I am a late breaker, a heavy braker and this weekend, I've not been able to use any of that.
"It compromises the whole rest of the corner, you can't break, you can't do anything."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Nick Golding and Samuel Coop as they look ahead to this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix! The discuss if Lewis Hamilton can continue his fine form after entering the title fight and the importance of Red Bull having a strong event at home.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Get the latest F1 news from RacingNews365 directly in your Google feed! Click on the link below and you’ll see your favourite F1 website appearing even more often. That way, you’ll never miss any news, analyses, interviews, or exclusives.
Follow RacingNews365 on GoogleMost read
In this article
Never miss a thing from the Formula 1 season! Add the 2026 F1 schedule to your calendar at the touch of a button. Subscribe below and put the dates and times of every race directly on your PC or smartphone, so you don't miss a second from the new season.
Download the F1 calendar Download the F1 calendar
A variant with just the race and qualifying is also available.
Click here to download it..











Join the conversation!