Oliver Bearman and Isack Hadjar, two promising rookies in Formula 1, recently faced challenges during the qualifying session for the Mexican Grand Prix. Both drivers are experiencing their first full seasons in the sport and have encountered obstacles along the way.
Frustrations for Bearman
Bearman, driving for Haas, expressed disappointment over having to miss the first practice session (FP1) for rookie swap-ins. He noted that this situation hindered his preparation for qualifying.
Bearman qualified in 10th place, attributing part of this result to the missed session. He emphasized the importance of practicing, especially at a tough track like Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City.
“It’s tough to give up FP1; I should be able to participate,” Bearman stated. Despite the challenges, he remained optimistic about his race pace, highlighting that he aims for improved performance in upcoming events.
Hadjar’s Journey
Similarly, Isack Hadjar faced difficulties during qualifying but managed to secure ninth place, just behind championship leader Oscar Piastri. His progress was commendable, moving up from 11th in FP1 and 14th in FP2.
Hadjar shared his thoughts on the qualifying process, stating, “We made all the right calls yesterday. It’s great to see we are pretty fast now.” He acknowledged past struggles but was pleased to see improvements in his car’s performance.
Despite these achievements, Hadjar raised concerns over consistently starting from the wrong side of the grid, which complicates his race begins. He expressed a mix of frustration and determination, highlighting the need for better overall performance from the car.
Key Takeaways
- Qualifying Challenges: Both Bearman and Hadjar faced difficulties in qualifying at the Mexican Grand Prix.
- Rookie Experiences: Bearman is frustrated with missing FP1, feeling it affects his performance.
- Improvements: Hadjar demonstrated significant progress, qualifying ninth after two previous positions.
- Grid Positioning: Both rookies addressed concerns regarding starting positions and race strategy.
As the season progresses, Bearman and Hadjar will look to continue improving their performances and gaining invaluable experience as they navigate the challenges of Formula 1.
