Warning signs at Red Bull as RB22 called 'undriveable and even dangerous'

The Frenchman had managed to outqualify Max Verstappen, with the Dutchman surprisingly knocked out in Q2. However, the race told a very different story, as the roles were reversed - Verstappen fought his way back into the points, while Hadjar had to settle for 12th place.

Speaking to French broadcaster Canal+ after the race, the Frenchman stressed that the RB22 was extremely difficult to drive in race conditions, at times even feeling dangerous.

Verstappen also endured a difficult Sunday at Suzuka, spending much of the race stuck behind Pierre Gasly’s Alpine and ultimately crossing the line in eighth place.

Speaking after the race, he admitted his start had at least been slightly better, allowing him to avoid losing too many positions before picking off a few cars in the opening stages. However, he quickly reached the limit of what was possible, explaining that he and Gasly were closely matched on pace - perhaps even with a slight edge - but overtaking proved extremely difficult.

He pointed out that even when he managed to get ahead, he was immediately vulnerable due to battery depletion on the straights, meaning he would be overtaken again almost instantly. As a result, he shifted his focus to applying pressure, hoping for a mistake or tyre degradation from Gasly, but neither materialised, leaving the two to finish in close proximity.