Isack Hadjar’s ability to quickly match top speeds, even on unfamiliar circuits, has drawn notable comparisons to Max Verstappen’s exceptional speed, especially during initial laps. This was evident at the Singapore Grand Prix, where Hadjar impressed by setting the second-fastest time during Friday’s practice sessions, showcasing the focus keyword, Max Verstappen speed comparison, through his remarkable pace.
At just 21 years old, the French Racing Bulls driver demonstrated his readiness by making the top 10 in the first practice session and then advancing to a near-top position by the end of the second session, finishing a mere 0.132 seconds behind Oscar Piastri and narrowly ahead of Verstappen himself. Although Hadjar’s best effort came late in FP2 when track conditions peaked, his performance solidified his quick acclimatization to the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Helmut Marko Highlights Hadjar’s Immediate Impact on New Tracks
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has emphasized Hadjar’s unique skill in quickly getting up to speed on new circuits, an ability seen at almost every venue where Hadjar competes. This characteristic was especially apparent in Singapore, where he had no prior racing experience at the demanding street track.
Marko noted,
“Isack was very impressive. He took P1 after just two laps. He was already with the fastest cars, and he did a very good lap in FP2 as well. So, he’s progressing and he’s doing what we are expecting from him,”
underscoring the rookie’s rapid development. His quick adaptation is not only a testament to his talent but also reflects a smooth transition from Formula 2 to Formula 1 competition.
Marko further drew parallels to Verstappen’s style, pointing out the Dutchman’s capability to immediately showcase pace at the start of sessions or under changing conditions, as witnessed in Verstappen’s recent GT3 outings. Regarding Hadjar, Marko observed,
“I mean, it’s another advantage he has, and he proved it at nearly every circuit he came. He doesn’t need any warm-up or knowledge and so on. So, it’s similar to Max.”
Despite the comparisons, Marko made it clear Verstappen remains on a higher tier, with Hadjar still considered a promising talent preparing for eventual promotion to Red Bull Racing, possibly as soon as 2026. The team remains patient with this progression, with upcoming events like the Mexican Grand Prix potentially serving as milestones for further evaluation.
Liam Lawson’s Crash and Marko’s Measured Response
While Hadjar stood out positively, his Racing Bulls teammate Liam Lawson faced challenges during Friday’s sessions in Singapore. Following a strong performance in Baku, Lawson suffered an early crash in FP2, causing the second red flag of the day. Despite this setback, Marko was restrained in his criticism, recognizing the difficulty of the circuit and Lawson’s competitive speed before the incident.
Commenting on Lawson’s crash, Marko said,
“He had a crash, but that can happen here. From his speed he was also competitive.”
This tempered assessment reflects the recognition that incidents are part of racing, especially at technical circuits like Marina Bay.
Marko remained cautiously optimistic about the Racing Bulls team’s performance prospects under Singapore’s nighttime conditions. When asked about their chances compared to top competitors, the 82-year-old laughed,
“Well, they are not in the mix for the win! But I think they could be quite high up.”
Racing Bulls Poised for Solid Showing as Season Progresses
The promising early pace shown by Hadjar confirms his status as a rising star within the Red Bull development program. His speed and adaptability at new and challenging tracks like Singapore suggest he could soon close the gap to more experienced drivers, reflecting the team’s ongoing confidence in his potential. Meanwhile, the mixed fortunes of his teammate Lawson illustrate the fine margins and difficulties faced in Formula 2 racing and the learning curve ahead.
Looking forward, the team’s measured approach aims to carefully nurture Hadjar’s growth while monitoring key events, such as the Mexican Grand Prix, for further insights into his readiness to step up to the senior Red Bull Racing outfit. This pathway aligns with Red Bull’s strategy of cultivating talent to sustain competitive edge in Formula 1.
