Isack Hadjar faced a challenging Sprint Qualifying session at the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix, describing his performance as “very poor” amid difficulties with his car’s drivability. While Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Sprint, Hadjar struggled to find pace and ultimately finished ninth.
Hadjar’s session was hampered by a lap time deletion in SQ3 due to exceeding track limits, leaving him without a valid time in that segment. He reported that his car was “not driveable” and that he was “just fighting with the car” throughout the session. Engine issues on his final run further affected his ability to improve his lap times.
Earlier in the weekend, Hadjar felt comfortable on the hard tyre compound during the first practice session, but he was unable to replicate that performance on other tyre compounds. He noted that the soft tyre offered more grip compared to the medium, but this advantage did not translate into better qualifying results for him. Meanwhile, Verstappen continued to demonstrate strong pace following his recent win in Malaysia, highlighting a contrast within the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.
The difficulties experienced by Hadjar underline the challenges drivers can face when the car’s balance and reliability do not align with their driving style or the track conditions. Despite a promising start to the day, the combination of track limit penalties and mechanical issues prevented him from delivering a competitive qualifying performance.
Hadjar’s comments reflect his personal assessment of the session, focusing on the struggle to manage the car rather than broader team issues. His experience contrasts with Verstappen’s continued strong form, which has been a feature of the recent rounds in the championship.
As the weekend progressed, the Sprint Qualifying results shaped the grid for the Singapore Grand Prix, with Verstappen on pole and Hadjar needing to recover from a difficult session. The situation highlights how fine the margins are in Formula 1® qualifying, where small errors and technical setbacks can significantly impact a driver’s position.
Hadjar’s reflections provide insight into the challenges faced by drivers adapting to changing conditions and car behaviour during a race weekend. His feedback will be important for the team as they work to address the issues encountered and improve performance in future sessions.