Isack Hadjar finishes the Singapore GP outside the points: “We were losing everywhere”

Despite a clean and controlled race, Isack Hadjar left Singapore with a disappointing result despite his top 10 finish, a result of factors beyond his control. Starting in eighth place on soft tires, the Parisian pitted to change to hard tires on lap 21. But six laps later, his race engineer, Pierre Hamelin, reported an engine issue that would quickly penalize him.

ALSO READ > Singapore GP: Russell triumphs after boredom

Engine problem deprives Isack Hadjar of top 10 finish

His Racing Bulls was losing three to four tenths per lap, reducing his chances of moving up the rankings. This was a disappointment for the Frenchman who had been having a solid race on the Marina Bay circuit until then. “Honestly, I'm not off to a great start, regrets Isack Hadjar to Canal+ who nevertheless maintains his eighth position at the start of the race. Then I quickly regained the position on Fernando, but he overtook me. It started well, we had fun, it was a good race, deciphers Isack Hadjar. We had rhythm, but then we started to have our problem just before our first stop. There, we suffered an overcut by Bearman and after that, the end of the race was painful. We were losing everywhere.”

Despite an aggressive defense, the Racing Bulls driver was eventually overtaken by Fernando Alonso, still hampered by the lack of engine power. The Spaniard did not hide his frustration on the radio: " Trophy for the king of the race " he exclaimed in reaction to Hadjar's maneuvers.

Isack Hadjar seemed to be doing everything he could to score points, but his car left him empty-handed: the driver finished in eleventh place. It should also be noted that this problem is not a first for the rookie. "It's not the first time either, he points out, annoyed. So we're really going to have to find out why this problem continues."