Hadjar frustrated by Singapore failures as Red Bull considers engine change
The French driver endured a Sprint retirement and failed to set a qualifying time, prompting Red Bull to consider a fresh power unit ahead of Sunday’s race.
Isack Hadjar has expressed his frustration following a disastrous Saturday at the Singapore Grand Prix, where consecutive mechanical failures prevented him from finishing the Sprint or setting a qualifying time, while Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen secured pole position.
The Frenchman’s weekend took another difficult turn at Marina Bay as technical problems repeatedly interrupted his running, leaving him at the bottom of the qualifying classification.
With Hadjar already facing a start from the back of the grid, Red Bull is now considering installing an entirely new power unit ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix, potentially requiring him to start from the pit lane.
Mechanical problems derail Hadjar’s Saturday
Hadjar’s difficulties began during the Sprint, when a power unit issue forced him to stop his RB22 during the neutralisation period following George Russell’s accident.
Red Bull mechanics worked urgently between sessions to replace several components, using parts already within the driver’s permitted allocation.
Hadjar thanked his team after the repairs allowed him to return to the circuit for qualifying, but his relief was short-lived.
During Q1, his car initially stopped on track before he managed to restart it and return to the garage.
A subsequent attempt ended with a gearbox failure, bringing his qualifying session to a premature conclusion without a representative lap time.
The contrast with Verstappen, who claimed pole position for Sunday’s race, highlighted the dramatically different fortunes experienced by the two Red Bull drivers.
‘I just want to drive’
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Hadjar made clear that his frustration was not primarily about his starting position, but about being denied the opportunity to compete.
« No, I want to drive. Honestly, I don’t care if I finish 22nd. I just want to get out on track and do my job, » Hadjar said.
The Frenchman was particularly disappointed that several sets of fresh soft tyres remained unused because of the repeated technical problems.
« I’ve got plenty of soft tyres sitting in the garage that won’t even be used. »
« That’s what frustrates me the most right now. I just want to be out there fighting with the other drivers. »
Hadjar’s comments reflected his disappointment at being unable to demonstrate his potential during a weekend in which Red Bull has shown strong performance.
Red Bull considers fresh power unit and pit-lane start
With Hadjar already set to start near the back of the field, Red Bull is evaluating whether to replace his power unit before Sunday’s race.
Installing fresh components could provide the team with an opportunity to address its reliability concerns, although the changes could also result in a pit-lane start depending on the work carried out.
Hadjar believes a comprehensive reset may be necessary after the series of mechanical setbacks.
« We need new parts, and tomorrow is obviously an opportunity to do that because everything is breaking down this weekend, » he explained.
« We need to start from scratch. »
The decision would represent a significant change in approach for Red Bull, prioritising reliability and fresh components over Hadjar’s already compromised grid position.
Hadjar faces challenging recovery at Marina Bay
Regardless of whether Red Bull proceeds with the power unit replacement, Hadjar faces a difficult task in Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix.
Overtaking opportunities are limited around the Marina Bay street circuit, making track position and race strategy particularly important.
After retiring from the Sprint and failing to complete a competitive qualifying lap, Hadjar’s immediate priority will be to secure a reliable car and finally complete a full race distance.
While Verstappen prepares to defend pole position and pursue victory, Hadjar will be hoping that Red Bull can resolve the technical problems that have overshadowed his Singapore weekend.
