Isack Hadjar Celebrates Return with Podium Finish in Baku
Red Bull's Isack Hadjar made a triumphant return to racing with a third-place finish in Azerbaijan, following a wrist injury. This podium marks Hadjar's first achieved purely on merit, as he steadily regained confidence on the challenging Baku circuit.
After a six-week hiatus due to a wrist injury, Isack Hadjar returned to the Formula 1 grid with a stellar performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Driving for Red Bull, Hadjar clinched third place at the Baku City Circuit, a result he considers his first podium earned purely on merit. Previously, his podiums relied on others' misfortunes, such as Lando Norris's retirement and Pierre Gasly's penalties.
Hadjar's road to the podium was not without its challenges. Having missed the races in Zandvoort, Monza, and Madring, he was eager to get back in the car. The Frenchman slowly found his rhythm in practice sessions before securing a fourth-place start in qualifying. During the race, he skillfully maneuvered his way into third, showcasing his regained form.
Reflecting on his achievement, Hadjar expressed relief and satisfaction. "It's been a long six weeks without racing," he said. "Coming back here, I took it one step at a time. Baku is a tricky circuit where mistakes can happen quickly, so I focused on building my confidence gradually." He was particularly pleased that his wrist held up over the 51-lap race, despite some lingering numbness.
As the season heads into its final stretch, Hadjar is optimistic about the upcoming races. "I'm satisfied with my performance and eager to keep racing," he commented. "With a packed schedule ahead, I'm looking forward to Sepang and continuing this momentum."
Hadjar's return and podium finish in Azerbaijan signal not just a personal triumph but also a strategic boost for Red Bull as they pursue their championship goals.