Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar has claimed Ferrari possessed the fastest car at the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix. This assertion has been directly refuted by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver dismissed Hadjar’s comments as “nonsense” during media engagements at the United States Grand Prix on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Hadjar, who finished 10th in Singapore, suggested that his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen would have secured a larger winning margin if he had been driving for Ferrari. Verstappen won the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11, 2026, finishing 7.335 seconds ahead of Leclerc.
The French driver’s weekend at Marina Bay was compromised by significant reliability issues. Hadjar suffered power loss in the Sprint and gearbox problems during Q1, leading to a power unit change. He was forced to start the Grand Prix from the pit lane. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies described Hadjar’s Singapore weekend as “horrific.”
Leclerc responded sharply to Hadjar’s analysis. He stated that Hadjar lacked insight into Ferrari’s car performance, just as he lacked knowledge of Red Bull’s machinery. Leclerc emphasized the tight competitive margins in Formula 1, making such external predictions difficult.
“I think it’s nonsense to start saying these kinds of things. Isack has no idea what kind of car we drive, and I have no idea what kind of car he drives.”
Ferrari’s SF-26 demonstrated strong qualifying pace in Singapore, with Leclerc starting second and Lewis Hamilton third. Technical analysis indicated the car exhibited improved mechanical grip and suspension behavior, particularly in low-speed corners.
However, Ferrari also contended with persistent issues concerning rear tyre management, aerodynamic efficiency, and power unit performance. Lewis Hamilton’s race was further hampered by a suboptimal strategy, resulting in a sixth-place finish.
Isack Hadjar is a full-time Red Bull Racing driver for the 2026 season, partnering Max Verstappen. His promotion was confirmed in December 2025, following a successful 2025 season with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
Red Bull has shown a significant performance resurgence in recent races. Max Verstappen secured consecutive victories in Malaysia and Singapore, following a major upgrade package introduced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) unit is now considered a benchmark by rivals, contributing to the team’s improved straight-line speed. Verstappen noted the RB22 has become more driveable and predictable since the Baku upgrades.
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri acknowledged Ferrari’s cornering strength in Singapore. He also highlighted their deficit on the straights, attributing it to either drag or power. Piastri further stated that Red Bull has recently emerged as the most consistently quick car.
Lewis Hamilton, Leclerc’s teammate at Ferrari, offered a more measured response to Hadjar’s comments. He recognized Hadjar as an “outstanding driver” but disagreed with his assessment of the cars. Hamilton expressed admiration for Red Bull Racing’s consistent performance over many years.
Ferrari is introducing its fourth and final major aerodynamic upgrade package for the SF-26 at the ongoing United States Grand Prix. This includes a new floor designed to enhance downforce, aerodynamic stability, and tyre management. Leclerc downplayed the extent of these upgrades, describing them as a “small step.”
