Isack Hadjar Claims Verstappen’s Singapore Win Was Driven by Skill over Machinery

Isack Hadjar has sparked debate ahead of the United States Grand Prix by claiming Red Bull did not possess the fastest car during the Singapore Grand Prix. Despite Max Verstappen's commanding victory, Hadjar believes the Dutchman's mastery of the cockpit—rather than the RB's inherent pace—was the deciding factor in the win.

Why it matters:

This perspective challenges the prevailing narrative that Red Bull has reclaimed the technical peak of the grid. If Verstappen is winning through sheer willpower and skill over car superiority, it suggests a fragile dominance that rivals like Ferrari and McLaren could exploit as the 2026 season reaches its climax.

The Details:

• The Ferrari Comparison: Hadjar asserts that had Verstappen been in a Ferrari, his margin of victory over Charles Leclerc would have been even more substantial than the 7.3 seconds recorded.
• Strategic Edge: The victory is attributed to a critical Q3 performance where Verstappen secured pole by a mere 0.05s, combined with Ferrari's lack of fresh soft tires during the race.
• Contradicting Views: McLaren's Oscar Piastri disagrees with Hadjar's take, noting that Red Bull's upgrades introduced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix have made their machinery the most consistently quick on the grid.

The Big Picture:

With only six rounds remaining in the 2026 season, the championship fight remains incredibly tight. Verstappen currently sits fourth in the drivers' standings with 221 points, trailing Lewis Hamilton by eight. Meanwhile, Red Bull is fighting for a podium spot in the constructors' championship, trailing McLaren by a slim seven points.

What's next:

The upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin will serve as a litmus test for Red Bull's actual pace. If Hadjar's assessment is correct, the team's reliance on Verstappen's individual brilliance may not be enough to bridge the gap to Hamilton and McLaren in the final stretch of the year.