Hadjar Claims Verstappen Would Have Dominated Singapore in a Ferrari

Isack Hadjar has stirred the paddock ahead of the U.S. Grand Prix, claiming Max Verstappen would have achieved a far more commanding victory in Singapore had he been behind the wheel of a Ferrari. The comments highlight growing frustrations within the Red Bull ecosystem regarding the team's performance struggles under the 2026 technical regulations.

Why it matters:

Since the dawn of the 2026 era, Red Bull has struggled to maintain the absolute dominance it enjoyed in previous years. Ferrari's current superiority on high-downforce, low-speed street circuits like Singapore underscores a fundamental shift in the technical hierarchy. For Verstappen, who is used to a car that complements his driving style, fighting for wins in a suboptimal machine creates a narrative of individual brilliance versus mechanical deficiency.

The Details:

• Performance Gap: Hadjar noted that while Verstappen secured the win in Singapore, the effort required to do so was disproportionate compared to the ease seen in the Ferrari camp.
• Technical Hurdles: Red Bull's 2026 power unit is reportedly facing challenges with energy recovery efficiency and thermal management in humid conditions, leaving them vulnerable on tight circuits.
• Ferrari's Edge: The SF-26 has demonstrated superior traction and stability in slow-speed corners, allowing their drivers to carry more speed through the apex without sacrificing stability.
• Internal Friction: Public comments from an affiliated driver like Hadjar suggest a lack of confidence in the current development trajectory of the RB27, indicating that the gap to the front is wider than the team officially admits.

What's next:

As the circus moves to the U.S. Grand Prix, the focus shifts to whether Red Bull can introduce a meaningful upgrade package to bridge the performance gap. If Ferrari continues to optimize their 2026 platform, Verstappen's ability to salvage wins through sheer talent may not be enough to secure the championship in a season where the machinery has finally become the deciding factor.