Red Bull star Isack Hadjar is set to be disqualified from qualifying at the F1 Miami Grand Prix and is likely to start from the pit lane.
The 21-year-old French driver had put in a solid performance during qualifying, securing ninth place on the grid for the race. However, the event itself has already been affected by external factors, with organizers deciding to move the start time forward to 1pm local time (6pm UK) due to the threat of thunderstorms and lightning in the Miami Gardens area. While the schedule change was intended to avoid disruption, attention quickly shifted to a more serious issue in the paddock once the session concluded.
During routine post-session inspections, FIA scrutineers identified an irregularity with the car’s floor assembly. Specifically, the floor boards key aerodynamic components that help control airflow behind the front wheels and minimize turbulence were found to extend 2 millimeters beyond the permitted reference volume on both the left-hand and right-hand sides. Although the margin may seem minor, Formula 1 operates under extremely strict technical regulations, where even the smallest deviation can constitute a breach.
The FIA’s Technical Director, Jo Bauer, along with his inspection team, formally documented the issue and referred it to the race stewards. In their report, they stated that the car failed to comply with Article C3.5.5 of the Formula 1 Technical Regulations, which governs the dimensional limits of specific aerodynamic components. The wording of the statement made it clear that the infringement was not within acceptable tolerance, leaving little room for interpretation.
As a result, the driver has been summoned to appear before the stewards at 7am local time (12 noon UK), where the case will be reviewed. In situations like this, the standard penalty is disqualification from the qualifying session. If that outcome is confirmed, it would mean the driver’s lap times are removed from the official results, effectively erasing his ninth-place grid position. He would then be required to start the race from the pit lane, a significant disadvantage on a circuit where overtaking can be challenging.
This development is a setback not only for the driver but also for the Red Bull team, as they aim to maximize points in a competitive championship battle. Meanwhile, his teammate, Max Verstappen, remains in a strong position, having qualified second on the grid. He will start alongside pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes, setting up a potentially intense fight at the front of the field.
With both weather concerns and regulatory drama unfolding, the Miami Grand Prix is shaping up to be an unpredictable and closely watched race weekend.