Hadjar Starts Singapore GP From Pit Lane After Red Bull Changes

Isack Hadjar will start the Singapore Grand Prix from the pit lane after Red Bull made unauthorized changes to his RB22 following a weekend of mechanical failures at Marina Bay on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The FIA confirmed the changes involved power unit components and suspension settings.

According to the FIA technical report, Red Bull replaced Hadjar's internal combustion engine, turbocharger, exhaust system and an auxiliary power unit component. The team also modified suspension settings under parc ferme restrictions.

These changes came after Hadjar failed to complete qualifying due to a gearbox problem and was classified 21st. The FIA reported that the modifications required a pit lane start because they were performed without the required approval.

Hadjar's difficult weekend began with power unit concerns during sprint qualifying, followed by a retirement from the sprint race after only a few laps. He later said the qualification issue was a separate mechanical failure.

"I think it is another problem compared with the sprint, it is a gearbox problem. It broke when I shifted into second gear, it was not pretty, there was nothing I could do," said Isack Hadjar.

Before the gearbox failure, Hadjar had already described problems affecting his car's performance and balance. Red Bull had changed engine-related components after earlier failures in an attempt to return the car to running condition.

"I do not know what happened. I did not really have power on the first lap, but nothing sounded bad. But yes, I was completely stopped," said Isack Hadjar.

Hadjar also explained that his retirement came after a strong launch but before he could challenge for positions during the wet sprint conditions.

"It is a shame because I had a good start, I thought I could pass Liam Lawson, but then I had to stop. Honestly, I do not really care, it is not like there were many points to get. We hope to save the engine, maybe," said Isack Hadjar.

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies apologized for the problems affecting the young driver. He said the team needed to understand the causes of the failures and work to resolve them.

"We owe Isack an apology because we did not give him any chance to express himself this weekend. We had a problem this morning during the sprint race, changed the engine just in time for qualifying, then he had another gearbox issue. We will fight with him to move back into the points zone. The important thing is understanding the root of these problems and solving them," said Laurent Mekies.

Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll also received pit lane starts after Aston Martin made changes under parc ferme conditions. The FIA confirmed both drivers had suspension modifications made without approval, while Alonso also received a new turbocharger.