Isack Hadjar secured third place at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, earning vital team‑mate points after a dramatic comeback from a wrist injury.
The Bahrain‑hosted race saw the French‑born driver return to Red Bull’s cockpit with a newly signed 2027 contract and countered a late lock‑up from McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, allowing Max Verstappen—and Red Bull as a whole—to claim double podiums.
During the post‑race F1 TV broadcast, Alex Brundle praised Hadjar’s pace and discipline when instructed to stay behind Verstappen. Brundle noted that, had the order been ignored, Verstappen would likely have overtaken Hadjar on soft tyres once they mixed, “generously ahead” as the race unfolded.
“He demonstrated amazing pace this weekend. That recovery from injury embodies the single‑minded focus Red Bull demands,” Brundle added, highlighting the driver’s “exceptional comeback” and worthiness of the podium spot. He also added that Hadjar’s strategy “played into Red Bull’s aggressive, attacking style.”
Damon Hill, joining Brundle on the commentary, echoed the sentiment: “The recovery from the wrist injury is nothing short of incredible. Red Bull’s resilience under constant management changes remains evident.”
In standings, Verstappen sits sixth with 163 points and Hadjar eighth with 86. Red Bull’s constructors total climbs to fourth in the championship, amassing 263 points—including the 86 earned by Liam Lawson while stepping in for Hadjar.
Photo by: Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images
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