Isack Hadjar believes that Racing Bulls’ strategy in the Monaco Grand Prix was «perfectly executed» as both the Frenchman and team mate Liam Lawson finished inside the points.
Hadjar started from a season-best fifth on the grid for the 78-lap race on the streets of the Principality, with Lawson just a few spots back in ninth.
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With all drivers required to make two pit stops during the race, Racing Bulls called upon Lawson to back the pack up, which allowed Hadjar the opportunity to make both visits through the pit lane and lose minimal places.
«Was a perfect weekend for me,» said Hadjar, who finished sixth having only lost a spot to Lewis Hamilton in the final reckoning.
‘Liam helped me massively’ – Hadjar hails team work after double points finish for Racing Bulls
«Honestly yesterday I had a lot of fun, a lot more fun than today, but still the race was perfectly executed.
«Liam helped me massively, it was great team work and also he helped me, but he also got points so I’m really happy for him.»
Despite a strong race, the weekend had featured its low moments for Hadjar, as the F1 rookie made contact with the barriers twice in FP2 and lacked general pace on Saturday morning in FP3 that put doubt in his mind.
«Honestly, I’m really proud because after Friday confidence was quite low, FP3 was really tough,» Hadjar added.
«Didn’t have much confidence in the car and still somehow we managed to turn around really quickly and that was a great team effort so I’m really proud of my guys.»
Lawson took his first points of the season after playing the team game
Racing Bulls Team Principal Laurent Mekies was thrilled with the result, as Lawson secured his first points of the season having finished in eighth.
It marked the Kiwi’s best result in F1, while the team moved ahead of Aston Martin in the Teams’ Championship up to seventh.
FACTS AND STATS: Racing Bulls’ Hadjar and Lawson both secure career-best results
«Don’t get me wrong, nothing came easily in this weekend,» said Mekies.
«If you recall, we were not exactly topping the practice session time. We took it step-by-step, the guys have been doing a huge amount of laps, that was our only priority in FP1 and FP2.
«You have seen some kisses with the wall in free practice. So nothing came easily but slowly everything has been put together. The team has been doing an amazing job to support the talent of Isack and Liam.»
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