Isack Hadjar made a strong return from a wrist injury at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: he qualified fourth, finished third and helped Red Bull claim a double podium alongside Max Verstappen. George Russell won, with Verstappen second. Hadjar had missed the previous three races.
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From fourth on the grid to third on the podium
Hadjar started from fourth after qualifying and finished one place higher, completing the podium behind Russell and Verstappen.
13 The result marked a convincing comeback after three race weekends away. Hadjar described it as his “first proper podium,” distinguishing the Baku result as a weekend in which he felt he had earned the finish on pace.
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With Verstappen in second, Hadjar’s third place gave Red Bull a double podium.
6 Team principal Laurent Mekies called Hadjar’s performance “outstanding,” praising the speed and judgment he showed on his return.
How Hadjar handled the team orders
Hadjar let Verstappen through early in the race after Red Bull instructed him to do so. The positions were not later swapped back, and Hadjar ultimately finished third. His response showed he followed the team’s call while remaining in contention for a podium of his own.
Why the stewards’ warning did not change the result
After the race, stewards investigated a pre-race procedure issue involving Hadjar and whether he had followed the race director’s instructions during a reconnaissance lap. They issued a warning rather than a time penalty, so his third-place finish stood.
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Red Bull had already confirmed his 2027 seat
Red Bull announced before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that Hadjar would remain Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2027 season.
3 The Baku podium therefore followed the contract decision; it did not trigger it.