Max Verstappen dismisses Isack Hadjar’s suggestion as “nonsense” during US GP media week, after claims he would win Singapore by more than 7.3 seconds in Ferrari’s SF-26 against Charles Leclerc.

Hadjar’s comments reignited a narrative about car performance. His suggestion centered on projecting Verstappen’s margin in a rival package rather than evidence from the track.

Hadjar also argues Red Bull’s RB22 isn’t the outright fastest, despite Azerbaijan upgrades lifting performance. The remarks revive scrutiny of Red Bull’s competitive picture and intra-team dynamics.

Verstappen’s response is pragmatic. He says provoking debate helps no one and distracts from real topics, a point he reiterated during United States GP media duties.

Context matters. Hadjar’s Singapore weekend unraveled with mechanical and technical issues at Marina Bay, limiting representative pace and obscuring any meaningful comparison with Verstappen.

Verstappen took pole for the Sprint and Grand Prix, then controlled both races at a circuit typically suiting Ferrari’s cornering strengths. Execution and car balance proved decisive.

He cautions against judging cars he hasn’t driven. “It’s impossible for me to know how good a Ferrari is,” he says, stressing comfort with the RB22’s qualifying balance.

Leclerc swiftly rejected Hadjar’s premise. Verstappen echoed that view, arguing the conversation should be anchored to evidence from the track, not conjecture or provocation.

Red Bull’s Azerbaijan package remained influential in Singapore, broadening the operating window and aiding race execution. Even so, Ferrari’s peaks on specific layouts keep the rivalry sharp.

Within Red Bull, Verstappen wants the storyline cooled. He prefers Austin to serve as the next meaningful datapoint, rather than extending a hypothetical Ferrari comparison.

The United States Grand Prix on October 25 will test upgrade efficacy, tyre management, and strategy. Ferrari’s low-speed strengths must contend with Red Bull’s efficiency across a demanding layout.

Hadjar’s profile has grown this month after forthright assessments, and recent scrutiny around equipment rules, as covered in FIA gear restrictions reports, intensified attention on his remarks.

For Verstappen, the emphasis is unchanged: deliver on track and park hypotheticals. Singapore provided evidence; Austin offers the next validation of Red Bull’s trajectory against Ferrari.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.