Hadjar Shows Promising Form at Singapore GP, Marko Draws Parallels with Verstappen
Isack Hadjar’s remarkable adaptability shone through during practice for the Singapore Grand Prix, where he delivered an impressive performance by finishing second in FP2, just 0.132 seconds off the pace of Oscar Piastri. Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, noted a key similarity between Hadjar and reigning champion Max Verstappen, praising the rookie’s ability to quickly acclimatise to new circuits.
Hadjar’s Impressive Debut at Marina Bay
Hadjar secured his position among the top competitors ahead of the Singapore GP, with a standout effort in the first practice session, placing him firmly in the top 10. His pace continued to impress in FP2, where he demonstrated exceptional skill by clocking a rapid lap time at the tail end of the session.
Marko on Hadjar’s Adaptability
Reflecting on Hadjar’s performance, Marko remarked, “Isack was very impressive. He took P1 after just two laps and was already with the fastest cars. He’s progressing and doing what we expect from him.” Marko has pinpointed Hadjar’s ability to quickly get up to speed on unfamiliar tracks as a critical aspect of his talent.
Comparisons to Max Verstappen
Marko suggested that Hadjar’s rapid acclimatisation mirrors the talent of Verstappen, highlighting how both drivers can showcase speed from the outset of a session. “He doesn’t need any warm-up or prior knowledge,” Marko stated, noting that Hadjar’s skills have consistently impressed at almost every circuit he has visited.
Future Prospects for Hadjar
Currently, Hadjar remains a strong candidate for promotion to Red Bull Racing in 2026. Despite the promising signs, Marko emphasised the team’s measured approach, indicating that no immediate rush exists for Hadjar’s elevation to the flagship team, with the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix being a potential reference point.
Mixed Fortunes for Racing Bulls in Singapore
While Hadjar thrived, his teammate Liam Lawson faced hurdles in FP2, crashing early and prompting a red flag. Marko adopted a lenient stance, commenting, “He had a crash, but that can happen here. From his speed, he was also competitive.”
Optimism Under the Floodlights
With the Singapore GP ahead, Marko expressed cautious optimism regarding Racing Bulls’ potential performance. “They are not in the mix for the win! But I think they could be quite high up,” he chuckled, hinting at a brighter future for the sister team of Red Bull Racing.
In summary, Hadjar’s promising performance and adaptability mark him as a driver to watch, while Marko’s insights into his potential provide fans with reason to feel optimistic as the lights go out in Singapore.