Isack Hadjar calls out Carlos Sainz after F1 Italian GP qualifying: "Playing around"

Isack Hadjar accused Carlos Sainz of "playing around" and hindering his out-lap in Monza

Racing Bulls Formula 1 driver Isack Hadjar has criticised Williams driver Carlos Sainz for "playing around trying to make my lap difficult" during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix at the historic Monza circuit.

Just one week on from celebrating his first F1 podium finish at Zandvoort, Hadjar found himself eliminated from qualifying at Monza in Q1. Having qualified in P16, the French-Algerian driver has confirmed that he will take a grid penalty for a new power unit, and so he will start the race from the pitlane.

"I mean we actually were really fast, the car was really good. I mean the out-lap was a mess with Carlos, he was just playing around a lot to then let me by," Hadjar explained to Sky Sports F1.

"I don't know why [we] even went out on track in the first place on new tyres to just cruise around, and I don't know what was the point and then I made a mistake on my lap, and that's it. It's my first mistake in quali in a while, so it happens."

He added: "No, I was on new tyres, Carlos was on used. He was playing around, trying to make my lap difficult on my out-lap and then not really letting me by properly. I just don't know what he was doing."

Although Hadjar was clearly annoyed by the situation, he confirmed that he will not speak to the Williams driver after the session, as it would not have changed his position due to taking the pitlane start.

Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

Photo by: Bryn Lennon / Formula 1 via Getty Images

"No, he has his reasons. He's on his own plan, he knows what he's doing. But anyway, I'm starting last tomorrow, so even if I was putting it on pole I wouldn't care because I'm starting from the back."

Sainz defended his position while speaking to the media after the race.

"I didn't jump the queue, I just joined the queue from where I was joining, where I turned into joining the queue, just in case they would consider I jumped," he argued. "I left one car by, but—as long as I have one tyre on the fast lane I'm able to go."

In comparison, Sainz qualified P13 for the Italian Grand Prix.

After finishing the Dutch Grand Prix in third last week, Hadjar sits 10th in the drivers' standings ahead of the race at Monza, with 37 points.