Isack Hadjar has explained the confusion behind his controversial team radio exchange with Max Verstappen during the United States Grand Prix. The Frenchman initially resisted Red Bull's instruction to let his teammate through, prompting a sarcastic reaction from the four-time world champion, but has now pointed to a strategic miscalculation that left both drivers losing valuable time.

The incident unfolded during the second stint in Austin, when Verstappen caught Hadjar after making his first pit stop. The Dutchman was running on fresher tyres and following a two-stop strategy, while his teammate was still on his original set and increasingly convinced that he could complete the race with just one stop.

Red Bull instructed Hadjar to move aside, but the Frenchman initially argued that doing so would compromise his own race. He eventually allowed Verstappen through, although the delay left the Dutchman frustrated with the team's handling of the situation.

Verstappen made his feelings clear over the radio, sarcastically criticising Red Bull for leaving him stuck in his teammate's dirty air.

Photo: Race Pictures

Hadjar explains what went wrong with Verstappen

Speaking after the race, Hadjar revealed that the confusion stemmed from the team's failure to anticipate how straightforward a one-stop strategy would prove to be. While he was still assessing his own options, Verstappen was already committed to a different approach.

"The problem is, in the end, on my side, I realised it's a one-stop race. And on their side, they're like, 'Oh, it's a one-stop race,' and had already pitted," Hadjar explained.

The Frenchman stressed that the situation was far from ideal for either driver, as Verstappen's superior pace meant he was rapidly closing in while Hadjar was trying to protect his own race.

"So again, he's coming by like a bullet behind me, and it's a confusing situation for both of us, and then I let him by. But I'm making him lose time because he's in my dirty air. I'm losing time because I have to let him by. And that's because we did not anticipate it was an easy one-stop."

Hadjar eventually finished sixth, while Verstappen crossed the line third behind race winner Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc.