Isack Hadjar returned to Formula 1 in impressive fashion at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing third in Baku after an injury had forced him to miss the previous races. The result was particularly striking because a period of readjustment had been expected before the Frenchman returned to his best, yet he immediately delivered one of his strongest performances of the season.
For much of the race, Isack Hadjar ran virtually in the wheel tracks of Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen, showing similar and at times almost identical pace. That has been a rare sight alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull in recent years and underlined just how competitive Hadjar has become with Formula 1’s new generation of cars.
The result also strengthened Red Bull’s position after a weekend in which both cars were able to fight at the front, while the wider 2026 Formula 1 championship standings continue to develop during the final part of the season.
Isack Hadjar: Step-by-step approach helped build confidence in Baku
Unsurprisingly, Isack Hadjar was delighted with both his performance and his podium on his return to racing.
“You couldn’t have asked for a better return to the track. The car was competitive throughout the week and in every section of the circuit. So we had the pace to really fight and be exactly where we wanted to be,” Hadjar said.
The French driver also explained how his preparation and recovery had helped him get back up to speed after his injury.
“Our approach was fundamental to having a positive week. Taking things step by step allowed me to build confidence, and then the lap times came as a consequence. Finishing with third place is a really satisfying result.”
Hadjar admitted that Baku had been a demanding circuit on which to make his comeback, but any concerns quickly disappeared once he found his rhythm.
“It was a challenging circuit for a return. But once I got into the rhythm, it felt like I had never been away. The race was fantastic. I had fun. The car was very enjoyable to drive, and the fight with Max was fun as well.”
Hadjar explains why he was happy to stay behind Max Verstappen
Isack Hadjar also addressed his battle with Max Verstappen and his decision to remain behind his teammate, something he had already made clear over team radio during the race.
“He was incredibly strong throughout the weekend. And I was happy to stay behind him because I knew the softs were the superior tyres. He proved that at the end. A double podium is an extraordinary result. It’s the first one in a while for the team, so I’m really happy for everyone because they deserve it.”
Hadjar’s ability to stay close to Max Verstappen for much of the race was one of the most notable elements of his Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Red Bull’s performance also came at an important stage of the season as the team continues to extract more from the RB22.
Isack Hadjar jokes about the boxing injury that kept him out
Hadjar then returned to the injury that had kept him on the sidelines for almost a month, joking about the unusual circumstances behind it.
“Next time I box, I hope I’ll use my brain.”
The Frenchman went on to describe the Baku race as his best performance of the year, while also highlighting how much the Red Bull has improved since the last time he drove it.
“I feel like it’s my first Red Bull podium that came purely because of how fast I was. Because in Monaco, a bit of everything happened. This time, no, we earned this result on track.”
Hadjar then offered perhaps the most encouraging assessment of all for Red Bull as he compared the current RB22 with the car he had last driven before his absence.
“The car compared with the one I left in Budapest has definitely improved. I hope I can fight for the podium consistently during this final part of the season.”
For Isack Hadjar, Baku therefore represented more than simply a successful return from injury. Third place provided evidence that he could immediately rediscover his speed, remain competitive alongside Max Verstappen and take advantage of an RB22 that he believes has made a clear step forward since Hungary.
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