Hajjar: I was exhausted in the last quarter of the race

      Isaac Hajjar has fully rehabilitated himself after a far from successful start to the season and has already earned his first points in Japan, taking 8th place in yesterday's race. On the Sky Sports TV channel, he admitted that it was not easy for him.…

      Q: Your Japanese weekend turned out to be unforgettable, partly because you started the race from the same row as Lewis Hamilton, whom you considered an idol since childhood. Isaac Hajjar: It's clear that we're not competing with Lewis, it's difficult for us to compete with Ferrari, but the start actually went well, we kept our position, tried to attack Kimi Antonelli, but we didn't have enough pace. We can say that overall the race was almost perfect.

      Question: In any case, today you earned your first points in Formula 1, and you did it in Suzuka, and this circuit is considered a track for real racers.…Isaac Hajjar: Yes, I agree, this is a great place to score points. I'm happy, I really like the Japanese track, although it requires very good physical fitness – to be honest, I was already exhausted in the last quarter of the race.

      Q: Yesterday, in the first part of qualifying, you experienced severe discomfort due to a problem with your seat belts, but then it was resolved. The troubles are over, and I'm sure you're glad that you scored the first points... Isaac Hajjar: Yes, we realized at the Shanghai stage how we could increase the pace, but we couldn't score points there because of unsuccessful tactics. This weekend we improved our qualifying and were more aggressive at the start of the race, I was able to hold my position for a long time, and in the end we scored points.

      Question: Are you saying that you were exhausted closer to the finish line, probably because of the overloads that act on the neck muscles? Did it have any effect on piloting?Isaac Hajjar: I was still driving at the limit, but it was already difficult for me. I might have had to slow down a bit in the first sector, and if it hadn't been for physical fatigue, I could have been more efficient, but it's clear that such races are the best training possible.

      Question: When you managed to sort out the problem that hindered you in the first part of qualifying, did it help you to drive more confidently?Isaac Hajjar: This problem almost ruined our weekend! That's why I'm even more excited about the good results in qualifying and the race. But difficulties only harden!

      Question: Considering the approach to personnel policy practiced at Red Bull, and the drivers in your two teams change more often than in others, it probably cannot be ruled out that you will become the next candidate for a place at Red Bull Racing?Isaac Hajjar: To be honest, I really enjoy working at Racing Bulls. But I will never turn down an offer to join Red Bull Racing, if it suddenly arrives, I can definitely say that. In general, we'll see how things will turn out, although I feel good in our team.