Isack Hadjar has verified that Red Bull will face a grid penalty for the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.

“I would anticipate us being less competitive here due to the circuit's design. However, if we still manage to contend for a podium this weekend, that would be promising. But it’s going to be tough for me, you know. I’m set to take a five-place penalty.”

When questioned by Motorsport.com, Red Bull was not ready to confirm which power unit component would be replaced for the race at the Sepang International Circuit.

A first infringement of the limit incurs a 10-place grid penalty, with each subsequent violation leading to a five-place drop. Hadjar has already surpassed the limit with every PU component this season, meaning any change will trigger a five-place penalty.

Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing

This poses a challenge for Hadjar even before the race weekend kicks off, although he mentions that the circuit near Kuala Lumpur provides numerous overtaking chances.

“But even with the penalty, I believe this is a circuit that if you possess the race pace, you can make progress. And if we can’t, then it indicates we’re not quick enough. So, that’s just how it is,” he remarked.

On a personal note, Hadjar indicates that he can fully attack once again in Malaysia. In Baku, he cautiously approached the weekend as he returned from a wrist injury, but his strategy at Sepang will be distinct.

“The layout allows you to go flat-out right from the start,” stated the Frenchman. “It’s an open circuit, there aren’t really any walls. So you can push hard much earlier.

“In Baku, if you exceed the limits, you end up in the wall. I wasn't keen on that, so I was taking it step by step. But this weekend feels completely normal for me, so I need to take risks right away.”