Wet Weather Woes: Hadjar Encounters First Setback in Red Bull Machinery

Red Bull's newly elevated driver Isack Hadjar experienced an accident during the second day of Formula 1 pre-season testing as challenging wet conditions tested the grid's abilities. The incident marked an early challenge for the promoted driver as he acclimates to his new machinery ahead of the 2026 campaign.

The second day of Formula 1 pre-season testing proved demanding for Isack Hadjar, who found himself on the receiving end of a significant crash while piloting Red Bull's latest machinery. The challenging weather conditions that characterized the session—with rain falling throughout the day—set the stage for the accident involving the newly promoted driver.

Hadjar's transition to Red Bull represents a significant step in his career trajectory, and this early-season mishap provides a sobering reminder of the adjustment period required when moving to a new team and vehicle. The wet track conditions that caused the incident are not uncommon during pre-season testing, where teams and drivers often push to gather crucial data before the campaign begins in earnest.

The incident comes as Red Bull continues its preparations for the upcoming season, with testing serving as the primary platform for engineers and drivers to develop setup solutions and evaluate car performance before competitive racing resumes.

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sporting Regulations

Art. B11.2.7

Art. B6.3.5

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Full Regulation Text

Sporting Regulations

Article B11.2.7

FIA Source

TCC Opportunities

Chapter: B

In Simple Terms

Teams are limited to specific testing opportunities throughout the year: one private 5-day test and two public 3-day tests before the season starts, plus a 1-day test after the season ends. They can also do tire testing (up to 40 car days) and one 1-day substitute driver test. These rules prevent teams from gaining unfair advantages through excessive testing.

Pre-season testing limited to one 5-day private test and two 3-day public tests
Post-season testing restricted to one 1-day test only
Out-of-competition tire testing capped at 40 car days maximum
One additional 1-day test allowed for substitute drivers

Official FIA Text

TCC limited to pre-season private collective testing (one 5-day test), pre-season public collective testing (two 3-day tests), post-season test (one 1-day test), out-of-competition tyre testing (maximum 40 car days), and substitute driver test (one 1-day test).

tcc testingcollective testingpre-season testingpost-season testingtire testing

2026 Season Regulations

Sporting Regulations

Article B6.3.5

FIA Source

Intermediate and wet-weather tyre use in free practice

Chapter: B6

In Simple Terms

During practice sessions, drivers can only switch to intermediate or wet tyres once the Race Director officially declares the track is wet. Once that declaration is made, teams are free to use any tyre type (intermediate, wet, or dry) for the rest of the session.

Intermediate and wet tyres are restricted until the Race Director declares the track wet
The Race Director has sole authority to make the wet track declaration
Once declared wet, all three tyre compounds (dry, intermediate, wet) become available
This rule applies only to free practice sessions, not qualifying or races

Official FIA Text

During any free practice session intermediate and wet-weather tyres may only be used after the track has been declared wet by the Race Director, following which intermediate, wet or dry-weather tyres may be used for the remainder of the session.

free practiceintermediate tyreswet weather tyrestrack conditionrace director

2026 Season Regulations