Hadjar claims 'first proper podium' with P3 in Baku comeback

Isack Hadjar could barely hide his smile after a lengthly injury layoff ended in the best possible fashion at the Baku City Circuit.

The Red Bull driver returned from a “very long six weeks” on the sidelines to take third place in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a result he hailed as his first true podium earned on merit.

A long road back

Hadjar had missed the events at Zandvoort, Monza and the all-new Madring track over the past month after injuring his wrist while training during the summer break. Given the green light to race again in Azerbaijan, the Frenchman eased himself back into the cockpit, gradually building speed through practice before qualifying fourth and fighting his way to third on race day.

“I’m happy. It’s been a very long six weeks. It’s been like six weeks since I enjoyed myself,” Hadjar said after the race. “I think it was the right time to come back. I felt strong. This weekend I really took it step by step. It’s a track where you can end up in the wall really quickly, and I didn’t need that, to gain the confidence. It was a very slow build-up, but it brought me here.”

‘An actual first proper podium’

The result marked Hadjar’s third podium in Formula 1, but the first he feels was secured “on pure pace.” His previous rostrums came via Lando Norris’ retirement at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, when Hadjar was representing Racing Bulls, and through Pierre Gasly’s penalties in Monaco earlier this year.

“I’m very, very happy for an actual first proper podium on pure pace. I’m very, very delighted,” he beamed.

Wrist holds up as busy run-in looms

Hadjar was further encouraged by his recovering wrist holding up well across 51 laps of racing on Saturday afternoon. “I’m completely satisfied,” he said. “Even though it’s a bit numb, I’m happy. I’m really looking forward to getting racing [again]. It’s going to be a very packed schedule. I can’t wait to be in Sepang.”

With a packed conclusion to the 2026 campaign ahead, Hadjar’s confidence-boosting return could not have come at a better time.