Hadjar targets recovery at Sepang after five-place grid penalty

Isack Hadjar qualified third at Sepang, but a five-place grid penalty for fitting a new engine is set to put him eighth on the starting grid. RacingNews365 English reported the penalty and carried his reaction on 3 October 2026.

Hadjar called it unfortunate to take the penalty at a circuit where he felt his car was quick. He said he was confident he could work his way through the field and secure a good result.

Hadjar also said the car had felt strong since the previous week. Whether he can turn that pace into a result from eighth remains a question for the race.