Red Bull confirm further power unit changes ahead of Chinese Grand Prix

Hadjar already had a new Internal Combustion Engine, turbocharger, exhaust set, and MGU-K fitted to his Red Bull after his breakdown in the season opener in Melbourne.

All those elements are allowed to be changed either three or four times without punishment from the FIA, and that remains the case for Hadjar's further changes.

Ahead of the Grand Prix proper, the FIA confirmed a new energy store (ES) and control electronics unit (PU-CE) for the new Red Bull driver.

Both the new ES and PU-CE are one of three allowed for the 2026 F1 season, and are in conformity with B8.2.2 d) and B8.2.2 e) of the 2026 Formula One Sporting Regulations, respectively.

Notably, however, the FIA highlight that Hadjar has already used two energy stores and control electronics unit this season, meaning he now walks a tightrope in terms of receiving punishment for more changes.

Hadjar's weekend in China has certainly not been easy. In the Sprint Race, he started P10 but ultimately finished five places back after a collision with fellow youngster Kimi Antonelli.

The Red Bull driver was also not in the mood to hear any apologies from the Mercedes driver, who received a ten-second penalty for the incident - Hadjar was seen in his cockpit batting away Antonelli's hand after the race, and made his feelings known in the media.

Hadjar said to Canal+: "I don’t understand why he’s overexcited like that when he’s got a rocketship and will recover regardless."

Hadjar has qualified P9 for the Chinese GP, just behind his teammate Max Verstappen, who has suffered a poor weekend in Shanghai too.

The four-time world champion labelled his P9 Sprint Race finish as a "disaster" and starts in P8 for the Grand Prix, but with a major tyre strategy disadvantage to the rest of the grid.

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