Isack Hadjar issues apology after 'awkward situation' with Max Verstappen

Red Bull star Isack Hadjar has apologised for an 'awkward' incident with team-mate Max Verstappen during Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix.

The 22-year-old Frenchman secured third place at Interlagos, his third podium of a highly impressive season as Verstappen's wingman.

But despite the impressive double podium for Red Bull (Verstappen claimed P2 after roaring through the field from a starting position of 21st), Hadjar took responsibility after the race for one specific moment.

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Hadjar on mistakes, and awkward Max moment

He believes the moment when he gave way to the advancing Verstappen could have been avoided, admitting to media afterwards: "I'm happy to be on the podium in third place today, but I have to make fewer mistakes.

"That awkward moment with Max could have been prevented. I want to apologise because I think I could have stayed wider on the track during that stint."

'Incredibly difficult and challenging'

Hadjar had started the chaotic 71-lap race in fifth place on a damp track, running intermediates at the beginning before rain returned toward the end.

"It was incredibly difficult and challenging, especially the switch from intermediates to soft tyres and avoiding the pitfalls," he explained.

"It was extremely tricky, particularly in the pit lane. You could see how tough it was to keep control, and then the rain picked up again towards the end."

Hadjar 'almost ran into pit crew'

In the wet closing stages, Hadjar also had a tough battle with an onrushing Kimi Antonelli, who eventually finished fifth, just behind his Mercedes teammate George Russell.

"It was so difficult because he was right behind me. I was really feeling out the grip for him. I could see he was pushing hard, but I had no grip - and neither did he," Hadjar reflected.

The slippery conditions even caused a near disaster in the pit lane, with Hadjar revealing: "I almost ran into my pit crew during the stop, but they did an incredible job. They stayed calm and executed a fast pitstop. Big thanks to the guys."

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