Max Verstappen’s climb to second place at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku was notably supported by the efforts of his Red Bull Racing teammate, Isack Hadjar. Despite starting eighth on the grid due to engine troubles and yellow flags during qualifying, Verstappen showcased strong race pace that allowed him to make significant progress through the field.
During the race, Hadjar initially ran ahead of Verstappen, demonstrating competitive speed that helped maintain pressure on the frontrunners. On lap 7, Verstappen overtook Hadjar, but the team soon issued orders for the drivers to swap positions. This strategic move was aimed at maximizing Verstappen’s chances to challenge the leading drivers.
Following the position swap, Verstappen continued his charge, overtaking McLaren’s Lando Norris and closing in on his other Red Bull teammate Oscar Piastri, as well as race leader George Russell from Mercedes. Hadjar’s pace and cooperation played a key role in enabling Verstappen’s advancement to the podium position.
The race highlighted how teamwork and clear communication within Red Bull Racing contributed to a strong result in a challenging Grand Prix. Verstappen’s recovery from a difficult qualifying session was aided not only by his own pace but also by Hadjar’s willingness to support the team’s strategy on track.
While Verstappen’s second-place finish was the headline, Hadjar’s role underlined the importance of intra-team dynamics in Formula 1®. His performance helped maintain Red Bull’s competitive presence and facilitated the team’s double podium celebration in Baku.
This assessment by Michael Lamonato points to the subtle but significant impact of team orders and driver cooperation in the sport, especially in races where starting positions do not reflect the true pace of the contenders. Verstappen’s ability to capitalize on these factors was a key element of his strong result at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.