At the Singapore GP, Fernando Alonso encountered several frustrating moments, notably during a fierce race with rookie Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls. The clash in the early stages of the event saw Alonso expressing displeasure over Hadjar’s aggressive maneuvers while trying to advance through the field. The rivalry quickly caught attention as Hadjar sparked a sharp response by labeling Alonso “grumpy” after their on-track duel.
The race itself was marked by challenging conditions where overtaking was difficult throughout the circuit. Alonso lost valuable seconds trailing Hadjar and found passing him far from easy. Additionally, Alonso later voiced his frustration at Lewis Hamilton, who struggled with brake issues on the final lap. Despite Hadjar’s rookie status, he stood firm in his defense of the race, asserting he kept the competition clean and avoided forcing Alonso off the track deliberately.
Hadjar Defends His Racing Conduct and Reacts to Alonso’s Criticism
Isack Hadjar is quickly establishing himself as one of the standout newcomers in the 2025 Formula 1 season, securing a podium finish and securing a future seat with Red Bull. Looking back at the Singapore event, Hadjar made it clear that his approach was fair and intentional avoidance of conflict was a priority.
The 21-year-old French driver acknowledged Alonso’s reaction but expressed that the veteran’s attitude toward their contest reflected more on Alonso’s disposition than on his own driving. In a blunt remark, Hadjar called Alonso a “grumpy” competitor, underscoring that he could not change how Alonso perceived the battle.
“I mean, I didn’t push him off the track, I kept it clean. If he didn’t enjoy that fight, then he’s really grumpy and there’s nothing I can do for him.” Isack Hadjar said, as reported by motorsport.com.
Alonso Considers Hadjar’s Move a Risky Maneuver at Singapore
After the race, Fernando Alonso shared his perspective on the on-track tussle with Hadjar. Finishing seventh partly due to Lewis Hamilton’s five-second penalty for track limits infringements, Alonso reflected on Hadjar’s driving as unnecessarily risky given the stakes. The veteran driver recognized that Hadjar’s car was experiencing engine troubles, particularly on the straights, which influenced the intensity of their duel.
Alonso emphasized the need for drivers to pick their battles carefully, considering the potential consequences of collisions that could spoil race outcomes for both parties. Despite criticizing Hadjar’s overly aggressive play, Alonso admitted the challenging nature of Singapore’s circuit might compel rookies to take such risks as they fight for progress.
“I think he had a little bit of an engine problem, from what I understood, on the straights – he was slow. Sometimes, some battles you need to know when it’s better to fight, when it’s not, because probably the final result of the race could be worse for both for sure – but for him in particular. So yeah, I think some unnecessary risk, but I understand that this is Singapore and you need to fight hard, and he did his best, but we lost time for sure.” Fernando Alonso said, as reported by motorsport.com.
Rookie Rising Against the Experienced Grid at Singapore
Hadjar’s performance throughout the Singapore GP reflects his growing confidence and skill as one of the season’s most promising rookies. His upcoming move to Red Bull is eagerly anticipated, where he will face a higher level of competition against seasoned drivers like Alonso. For Alonso, the season continues to be a test, as he seeks to maintain his competitive edge and contribute to his team’s success while planning to race at least through 2026.
The spirited duel between Hadjar and Alonso shines a light on the clash between emerging talent and veteran experience, illustrating the intense pressures and split-second decisions that define Formula 1 racing, especially on a demanding track like Singapore.
