SPORTS

Hadjar relegated after Red Bull floor measurement breach

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Miami — Isack Hadjar will start Sunday's Miami Grand Prix from the back of the grid after the FIA stewards disqualified his Oracle Red Bull on May 3 following Saturday qualifying. A post‑qualifying measurement found a small section of Hadjar's floor exceeded the 2026 regulatory dimensions by millimetres, prompting the ruling and immediate demotion. The stewards' decision promoted Alpine's Pierre Gasly to ninth and Audi's Nico Hülkenberg to tenth, while Red Bull accepted the breach and issued a statement through team boss Laurent Mekies saying they respect the ruling. Race officials moved the start three hours earlier this week because of thunderstorm forecasts, and Kimi Antonelli remains on pole for the third successive race.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Saturday qualifying: Hadjar set the ninth fastest time.
Post‑qualifying measurement found the floor exceeded regulatory dimensions by millimetres.
May 3: FIA stewards disqualified Hadjar from qualifying after Red Bull admitted the error.
Grid changes: Gasly promoted to ninth, Hülkenberg to tenth, Hadjar relegated to 22nd (back of grid).
Race start moved forward three hours because of forecast thunderstorms; Kimi Antonelli on pole.

Why This Matters to You

If you're a fan of Isack Hadjar or Red Bull, this is a setback. It's a reminder that even tiny technical breaches can have big consequences. If you're planning to watch the race, remember it's now starting three hours earlier due to weather.

The Bottom Line

The rules in racing are strict and every millimetre counts. Red Bull's acceptance of the ruling shows sportsmanship. Despite the change, the excitement of the Miami Grand Prix remains. Worth forwarding if you know a racing enthusiast who needs a heads-up on the schedule change.