Racing Bulls driver Isaac Hadjar heads to Singapore with his 2026 future reportedly guaranteed, but the Frenchman insists the security of a contract won’t diminish his aggressive approach in the closing races of 2025.
Following his recovery drive in Baku—where pre-race hydraulic issues nearly prevented him from starting before he battled through to seventh position—Hadjar arrives at Marina Bay Circuit with reported confirmation from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko that he’s one of only two drivers guaranteed a seat within the Red Bull family next season, alongside Max Verstappen.
Yet rather than allowing the security to breed complacency, the 21-year-old revealed he’s spent his entire career thriving under pressure.
“It’s a good position to be in, but at the same time my whole career I’ve been used to having to chase until the very final race—every championship I’ve been in—to try and prove and go up the ranks,” Hadjar explained ahead of the F1 Singapore GP. “It’s a new place to be, but it definitely takes out a bit of pressure. If anything, I always enjoy the pressure. I feel like it’s when I’m delivering at my best level. Let’s see how I handle the last few races, but I’m always going to push very hard and take risks.”
Preparing for Singapore’s unique challenge
Making his debut at the notoriously demanding Marina Bay street circuit, Hadjar acknowledged the physical challenge that awaits—a race renowned as F1’s most gruelling test of stamina in stifling heat and humidity.
“Obviously, everyone’s talking about how hot it is inside the car, so it’s going to be a tough race,” he said. “But honestly, so far, this year I’ve always felt comfortable in the car. Let’s see. I’m quite excited to see how hard it’s going to be.”
Hadjar’s preparation for the F1 Singapore GP has been straightforward, with the Frenchman spending time in Japan’s humid conditions prior to Singapore. “Apart from the sauna, there’s not much you can do. Japan is quite humid, so I’ve spent a week already there, so maybe this is going to help me. But I just have to push through, I guess.”
Confidence in Racing Bulls package
With teammate Liam Lawson delivering an impressive fifth-place finish in Azerbaijan—successfully defending against both Yuki Tsunoda and Lando Norris in the closing stages—confidence is high within the Racing Bulls camp heading to the tight confines of Singapore.
Hadjar expressed optimism about the RB’s capabilities around Marina Bay’s 23 corners, though he suggested the track layout might not play to their strongest characteristics.
“Again, it’s going to be a track where… Obviously, the car is working pretty much everywhere. It’s a healthy car. Now it’s slow-speed corners, just like Baku. Honestly, I’d rather be on a track with a bit more high-speed. I think this matches more our car’s characteristics. But the car will work again this weekend, there’s no hazard. I can’t tell you if it’s a podium car, but it’s definitely a car that can aim for Q3.”
