Isack Hadjar made a notable return to Formula 1® at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix after missing three race weekends due to a wrist injury. His performance throughout the weekend impressed Red Bull Racing, particularly for his pace, racecraft, and composed communication with the team.
Hadjar qualified fourth on the challenging Baku City Circuit, a track known for its technical complexity and high risk of incidents. He went on to secure a podium finish, marking his second podium of the 2026 season and the third of his Formula 1® career. Red Bull Racing’s team principal, Laurent Mekies, described Hadjar’s weekend as “outstanding,” noting the driver showed no signs of pain and displayed strong confidence in the car.
The team principal highlighted Hadjar’s race pace on both medium and soft tyres as particularly impressive, something not previously seen from the young driver. Mekies also praised Hadjar’s mature and intelligent approach to racing, especially his teamwork with Max Verstappen. Despite being asked to yield position to Verstappen during the race, Hadjar remained calm and disciplined, avoiding unnecessary pressure and helping to maximise the team’s overall strategy.
Laurent Mekies emphasized Hadjar’s emotional control and growing race intelligence as key signs of his development within the sport. The driver’s ability to communicate calmly over the radio and manage his tyres effectively contributed to a strong overall performance on a demanding circuit.
In recognition of Hadjar’s progress and potential, Red Bull Racing has extended his contract through the 2027 season. Mekies expressed that Hadjar “repaid our faith” with his performance in Baku, underlining the team’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for his continued growth.
Hadjar’s return at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix demonstrated not only his physical recovery but also an evolution in his racecraft and maturity. His composed approach and collaboration with Verstappen reflected a promising step forward in his Formula 1® career, as observed by Red Bull Racing’s leadership.