Isack Hadjar returned to the cockpit of the Red Bull Racing RB22 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a wrist injury, and immediately delivered a performance that impressed the team. Not just for his outright pace, but also for his radio communication and how he worked with Max Verstappen. Team principal Laurent Mekies called the Baku race his best so far.
After missing three race weekends, Hadjar chose a far from easy track for his comeback. The Baku City Circuit not only carries a high risk of crashes but also demands confidence in the technical sections around the old town. Nevertheless, Hadjar made it clear after practice that his wrist would not be a limiting factor. Qualifying fourth on the shores of the Caspian Sea was proof, and a faultless race yielded his second podium of the season and third overall in F1.
Mekies acknowledged that Hadjar's performance in Baku was outstanding. "I think it was outstanding what Isack has produced this weekend, really outstanding," he told written media post-race. "At first, the most important thing is that straight away he felt good in the car, no pain. It means that every time we met together in the last few weeks and we said we will wait for Isack to come back at 100% because that's the priority, well, that's what happened."
Hadjar himself was aware that Baku is not an easy track to return to. "He has been building up his rhythm, session after session, very calmly, and with a lot of positive energy," Mekies added. "Already yesterday, to stick the car in P4 was a very, very strong result. I think today, the sort of race pace that he has shown on the medium and on the soft, is something we had not seen before."
Beyond pace, there was another aspect that impressed Mekies: how Hadjar conducted himself during the first stint. Red Bull asked the young Frenchman to give up his position to Max Verstappen, but even when the four-time world champion struggled with Pirelli's medium tyre, Hadjar remained calm. "And on top of that, allow me to say that he also raced extremely cleverly with Max, very disciplined with his tyres," Mekies said. "It allowed us to have very, very strong teamwork between the two of them and between the pitwall. That has ultimately produced the best result possible."
Hadjar's return with such a performance reaffirms why Red Bull has great faith in him. The team showed patience by waiting for full recovery, and that decision proved right. With a podium in Baku, Hadjar not only strengthens his position in the team but also sends a signal that he is ready to compete at the highest level.
For Red Bull, the chemistry between Hadjar and Verstappen could be key in the constructors' title fight. Solid teamwork and mature communication will be invaluable as the season progresses. If Hadjar continues to develop like this, he could become a crucial factor in the team's strategy for the rest of the season.
Baca Juga
Isack Hadjar kembali ke F1 di GP Azerbaijan dan langsung impresif. Red Bull terkesan dengan kecepatan, komunikasi radio, dan kerja samanya dengan Verstappen.
Ranking pembalap F1 GP Azerbaijan 2026: George Russell tampil terbaik, Verstappen kedua, Sainz DNF. Simak analisis lengkapnya di sini.
Oscar Piastri gagal finis di zona poin setelah blunder di Tikungan 1 GP Azerbaijan. Peluang podium McLaren sirna, begini komentarnya.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!